Otitis frequently affects children. Especially in the little ones, medical intervention is necessary. But there are some measures that help prevent it. Here they are.
After respiratory infections, otitis is the most frequent disease affecting children. In the first three years of life 80% suffer from it and a third of cases tend to relapse, generally in the cold winter months, from January to March.
The main cause is colds: phlegm stagnating in the pharynx reaches the middle ear and presses on the tympanic membrane, triggering intense pain.
It affects especially under the age of five, both because the immune system is not yet fully mature, and because in small the Eustachian tubes, which connect the pharynx to the middle ear, are shorter and flatter than in adults. This means that bacteria and viruses in the throat and nose can reach the ear more easily.
With growth, usually after the age of six, the anatomy of the ducts changes, making it difficult to access mucus and drastically decreasing episodes of inflammation.
Until then, however, otitis should never be underestimated. It is necessary to turn to the pediatrician from the first signs of pain in the ears. But thanks to some simple measures it can also be prevented. Here’s how.
Anti-otitis diet
The protection of the ears of our little ones also passes through a specific diet, which includes a lot of vitamin C and foods rich in zinc and selenium.
The right dose of whole fibers is also important, to help keep the intestine active and drain the waste that can promote inflammatory states.
Among the essential minerals that help prevent otitis also manganese, copper and sulfur.
Here’s where to find them.
| Minerals | Food sources |
|---|---|
| Zinc and selenium | Walnuts, turkey, fresh tuna, liver, chicken, fresh fish, egg yolk, onions, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms |
| Manganese | Pineapple, raspberries, chickpeas, tofu, spinach, macadamia nuts, cashews, almonds |
| Copper | Whole grains, dried fruit, green salads |
| Sulphur | Crustaceans, eggs, chicken, beef and veal, parmesan, Brussels sprouts |
Natural prevention
In addition to being a preventive practice, nasal washes are a good daily habit: by spraying saline in both nostrils, one at a time, the nasal cavities are cleaned by removing the mucus that could reach and inflame the ears.
This operation should be done every evening, before the baby’s bedtime. And in case of colds, the washes should be repeated several times during the day to free the nose.
Very useful to keep away colds and otitis is propolis, a substance produced by bees with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunostimulant and antioxidant action. On the market there are numerous products based on propolis, including some that associate this precious substance vitamin C and zinc, so as to stimulate the immune system.
Among the remedies offered by nature, also blackcurrant, rich in bioflavonoids, recommended against otitis but also laryngitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis, when the mucous membranes are particularly inflamed.
And if your child complains of earaches, you can resort to an old remedy: finely chop an onion and heat it in a saucepan. Wrap it in a tissue or gauze and place it on the sore ear. The allide sulfide released from the onion has the power to relieve pain and calm inflammation. Your baby will thank you, except for the stench.
For older children a particularly pleasant remedy seems to be the use of xylitol chewing gum: a Finnish study has shown that this sweetener reduces the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B, the main agents responsible for otitis.
Small suggestions
- Place a boule of hot water (not boiling) on the suffering ear: it will help dissolve the secretions that clog the ducts.
- Teach children to blow their noses properly. It will be useful when winter colds come.
- Avoid smoking. Studies show that children exposed to secondhand smoke get sick more frequently.
- Have your child vaccinated against pneumococcus and haemophilus influenzae type B.
- Wash your hands well and frequently: it is one of the most important ways to decrease the transmission of germs from person to person. Teach your children this basic hygiene rule.
- Do not instill the drops to soothe the pain without the doctor’s consent: in case of perforation of the eardrum membrane, they prevent it from being detected and can damage the inner ear.
- Do not administer cold and allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants: they are not useful in preventing ear infections.
- Keep your child away from people with colds, especially if he has already suffered from episodes of otitis: the risk of a relapse is quite high.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.