A middle ear infection is unfortunately an extremely distributed disease. This is mainly because babies and young children have on average three to four times respiratory infections compared to adults. This quickly leads to a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the little ones, which often manifests itself as ear pain. Here you can find out how otitis media occurs in your baby or toddler, what symptoms you need to look out for and what you can do to prevent otitis media!

As babies and small children are in growth stage, the tube connecting their nose and the middle ear is shorter and even flatter compared to adults. Number one reason why babies and small children are often prone to middle ear infections.

Respiratory tract infections, which occur three to four times more frequently at this age than with adults, can more easily ascend from the nose to the ear and trigger a middle ear infection.
Symptoms in children is mostly ear pain.

Earache is often a sign for a middle ear infection

Unfortunately, babies, children and toddlers are often affected by middle ear infections. This is because babies and toddlers are still developing their immune system. Babies, children and aged between six months and six years are therefore particularly more susceptible to otitis media.

It can generally be assumed that by the age of four, over two thirds of all children have had a middle ear infection. Due to the increased susceptibility, around half of children will even suffer three or more ear infections in the same period. However, this is not unusual and is by no means a cause for concern. Recurring and chronic illnesses should always be clarified with a doctor.

How and when exactly does otitis media develop in babies and toddlers? The answer is: usually quickly and overnight.

A middle ear infection is often the result of a viral infection (flu) of the upper airways, which can be triggered by many different types of viruses. Inflammations in the throat or nose occur more frequently in small children because their immune system is still developing and is not yet fully mature. The connection between the nasopharynx and the tympanic cavity (cavity in the middle ear) is still very short in small children. This often results in an ascending infection from the nasopharynx into the middle ear. This is also the reason why middle ear infections occur more frequently in children than in adults.

From colds and other illnesses: Factors for middle ear infections in toddlers and babies

Children are more sensitive to pain than adults. This makes them even more likely to suffer from Otitis media. Here you can find 5 factors which can contribute to Otitis media:

Cold: This is often the precursor to a middle ear infection. Anatomically speaking, the upper airways are closer to the ear in children than in adults, which is why a cold often affects the ears.
Immune system still in training: As the immune system still developing there is an increased susceptibility to infections.
Blowing the nose: Allow your child to “pull up” their nose, avoid blowing too hard or use a nasal aspirator (especially for babies).
Pacifiers: It is presumed that “sucking” leads to altered pressure conditions between the middle ear and the nasopharynx - another reason why children catch respiratory infections more frequently.
Infectious diseases: Earache can also be a comorbid symptom for other diseases such as scarlet fever, measles or mumps. These childhood diseases now occur less and less frequently as most children are vaccinated against them.

Good to know: In and of itself, otitis media is not contagious.

But: Otitis media is usually triggered by cold viruses. These pathogens spread quickly. Babies and, specially, children in nurseries or kindergartens are exposed to a higher risk due to playing in larger groups in closed proximity.

Middle ear infection in babies and children: Signs and symptoms

The difficulty with a middle ear infection is recognizing it as quickly as possible in babies and children. Otitis media can be accompanied by many different symptoms. Here are a few examples:

Pain or crying when the ear is touched
Increased temperature or fever
Coughing
Fatigue
Runny or blocked nose
Swollen lymph nodes
Possibly vomiting

With this many potential symptoms, it is not surprising if your child is restless or sleeping badly. Look out for the signs above to be able to assess what your child has as quickly as possible.

Diagnosis: Does my toddler have otitis media?

How to recognize and deal with a middle ear infection in your baby:

Babies often make themselves heard through crying. After all, there is nothing else they can do; they are not yet able to express themselves verbally. To check whether your baby has a middle ear infection, you need to pay particular attention to the following signs:

- If a baby suffers from a middle ear infection and has an earache, it often whines or cries, is restless and tosses and turns. It constantly grabs at its ear (“earache”) or rubs it.

- In addition to the typical signs of a cold, symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite or vomiting are not uncommon in babies and toddlers with Otitis media.

What can you do if your child has a middle ear infection?

The first rule is: as soon as you notice symptoms of illness in your baby or toddler, or your child tells you that they have an earache, you should see a doctor. However, the waiting time until you see a doctor can be put to good use. For example, with:

warming compresses on the ear
drinking plenty of fluids
allowing them enough sleep or rest

Naturopathic medicines offer another option. One such plant-based medicine is Otovowen®, which has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, promotes the healing process and can be used from infancy after consultation with a doctor.

The aim of all these measures is to ease the flow in the eustachian tube, decongest the mucous membranes and thus relieve the pressure and pain. As a result, the middle ear is better ventilated and pressure equalization can take place again, which starts the healing process. However, if the Otitis media does not improve after two days, further steps may be necessary, which will be decided by the doctor. This may include taking antibiotics.

Find out more about the treatment of Otitis media

After a pronounced middle ear infection has subsided, the baby or child's ears should be examined and hearing checked at regular intervals.

What is a tube in the ear?

In children who frequently get middle ear infections or ear infections, the doctor may recommend the insertion of a tube in the ear. This is usually done if there is still fluid in the ear after an infection has healed. This so-called tympanostomy tube also known as myringotomy tubes allows the residual fluid to drain out and the tympanic cavity to be ventilated. The tubes are removed after twelve months at the latest. As a rule, no scar remains visible, and the ear heals completely.