Preschool & School Age - Otitis Media Flashcards
1
Q
What is otitis media?
A
Ear infection (can be bacterial or viral)
2
Q
Ear infection most common in ages?
A
6 months & 2 years
3
Q
Why are children more prone to ear infections?
A
Shorter eustachian tubes
Their lymphatic system also doesn’t work well so can’t drain fluid properly
4
Q
What is a ear infection usually come after?
A
A cold
5
Q
Signs & symptoms?
A
- crying / fussy
- fever
- earache
- fluid draining from ear
- not sleeping well
- rubbing / pulling on ear
6
Q
How to prevent ear infection?
A
- prevent common cold
- encourage breastfeeding
- protect child from second hand tobacco smoke
- Flying (can cause ears to become blocked)
7
Q
Can children with ear infections still go to school and daycare?
A
Yes, not contagious
8
Q
How to care for child with ear infection?
A
Give meds like Tylenol and Advil
Don’t give antibiotics unless absolutely needed. We dont want them to build up resistance to it by having it so often
9
Q
When should child be seen by doctor?
A
- Fever / pain not improved 48 hrs after antibiotics
- unusual behaviour
- fluids always draining from ear
- concerns about child’s hearing
