ear related problemsImage Credit source: Tanja Ivanova/Moment/Getty Images
Ear related problems become very common in children during winter. Cold air, low temperature and frequent viral infections can quickly affect the ears of children. The ear canal of small children is thin and their immune system is also not fully developed, hence the problem of pain, itching, blockage or drainage in the ear may increase due to cold or cough. Many times parents ignore it considering it normal, but these continuous problems can affect ear infection, middle ear infection and hearing ability.
In such a situation, children’s Ear Care becomes very important. If not paid attention on time, many things can become serious. Let us know what ear related problems children have to face in cold and when this situation can take the form of emergency.
What problems can cold cause to children’s ears?
Dr. Himanshu Bhadani in Pediatric Department at AIIMS Delhi It is said that children can face many problems in their ears in winter. The most common problem is ear pain, which increases due to exposure to cold air or cold. The second problem is itching in the ears, which occurs due to dry air and less humidity. Apart from this, blockage of ears or feeling of pressure is also common during cold season, especially when the child has frequent cold or cough.
In some cases, discharge of water or yellow liquid from the ear indicates infection, which should not be ignored at all. Prolonged blocked nose or swelling in the throat also increases the risk of middle ear infection. These problems may seem minor at first glance, but if not taken care of on time, they can cause problems like pain, fever and difficulty in hearing.
When are ear problems in children a sign of emergency?
Dr. Himanshu Bhadani Told that there are some problems related to children’s ears in winter, which are important to be identified immediately because they can be a sign of emergency. If the child has severe and persistent pain, does not get relief even after taking medicine, or water, pus or blood starts coming out of the ear, then it is a sign of serious infection. Similarly, along with high fever, frequent holding of the child’s ears, irritability or excessive crying also indicate danger.
Weakness in hearing, not being able to hear the voice clearly or seeing swelling and redness around the ear makes the situation more serious. If the child feels dizzy or has ear pain along with vomiting, a doctor should be contacted immediately, as this can become an emergency situation.
How to take care of ears in winter?
Parents should protect the child from cold wind and keep the ears covered.
In case of nasal congestion, immediately give steam or drops recommended by the doctor.
Never put oil, ghee or any household item in the ear.
Give hot soup, water and light food to the child so that the immunity remains strong.
Do not blow your nose forcefully, this can cause pressure to reach the ears.
Do not allow cold air to blow on wet ears.
Always give any medicine or ear drops only after consulting the doctor.