When children catch a cold, their ears hurt? ‘Otitis media’ warning

The otopharyngeal tube is short, so cold viruses can easily enter it.
High risk of recurrence, antibiotics must be taken until the end

As the weather gets colder, many people are suffering from colds. Children with weak immune systems are no exception. According to HIRA statistics, as of last year, children (0 to 9 years old) accounted for 26.5% of cold patients by age. In particular, children need to be careful because, unlike adults, catching a cold can cause otitis media as a complication.

According to experts Adults improve in 1 to 2 weeks, but in children, respiratory infections caused by cold viruses occur in the otopharyngeal tract.(Tube that connects the middle ear to the top of the ear)causes inflammation in. The otopharyngeal canal in children is shorter and has a more horizontal structure than that in adults.It is easy for cold viruses to invade. This is highly likely to lead to otitis media. In particular, otitis media occurs more frequently in infants and young children who have shorter and narrower structures than children.do.

Symptoms of pediatric otitis media include high fever, ear pain, hearing loss, and nausea, but children often cannot express their symptoms properly. parents ▲If the child continues to touch the ear and fuss or ▲Ear otorrhea (discharge) comes out of the ear ▲Continually increase the volume You should watch your back carefully and visit the hospital quickly. However, it must be differentiated from otitis externa and must be accurately diagnosed at a hospital.

Otitis media usually has a high chance of recurrence if it occurs before the age of 2. Additionally, if left untreated, hearing problems or learning disabilities can occur, so prevention is important.

Professor Park Ji-young of the Department of Pediatrics at Chung-Ang University Hospital said, “Otitis media is the most common aftereffect of respiratory infection,” and added, “For prevention, Maintain thorough personal hygiene, including wearing a mask and washing hands after going out. “It must be done,” he emphasized. He continued, “Even if the causative bacteria are not completely eradicated, recurrence can occur. Continue taking antibiotics until the end even if the pain goes away“It must be done,” he added.

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