November 04th, 2017

MANAGING EAR INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

As a parent and an audiologist who sees children quite frequently, I am only too aware of the over representation of ear infections in the paediatric population -- particularly over the winter months. Children are more prone to ear infections (middle and outer) for a number of reasons including having an immature immune system and Eustachian Tube function,  being surrounded by other children who may be sick as well as not being as thorough with personal hygiene .  

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have recently put forward some guidelines for GPs to take note of the next time they need to decide whether to prescribe antibiotics or not. This is especially important given the rise in concern of anti-biotic resistance.  Dr Lynn Weekes, NPS MedicineWise CEO says “Using antibiotics when you don’t need them can contribute to bacterial resistance, both in the individual and the community…the more antibiotics we use, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them and as a result they will lose their power.” The RACGP instead recommend a 'wait and see' approach as the majority of ear infections in children resolve by themselves.  If symptoms worsen or don't improve with time, then antibiotics (assuming the infection is bacterial) may then be warranted.  Interestingly, antibiotics do not reduce the pain associated with ear infections and may even have adverse effects like diarrhoea. Therefore, in the initial 24-48 hours, an analgesia like a paracetamol may be prescribed by the GP.  As a parent, it can be very tempting to accept a quick fix to a medical issue involving  your child. But what the RACGP are suggesting is to have this conversation with your GP to determine whether antibiotics are indeed necessary.

At Ear Suction Clinic, we do not just remove wax. Often we are asked to remove and clean debris resulting from infection of the ear (bacterial and fungal). We are then asked to paint on prescribed drops onto the infected area to ensure they work more effectively if and when they are actually required. This is akin to cleaning up a wound before applying some ointment  like when your child falls over and grazes their knee. So next time your child needs to have ear drops with anti-fungal or anti-bacterial properties administered, get Ear Suction Clinic to do it. This has the  potential to  expediate the healing process.