Ear Infection in Children

By Dr. Quy — Family Medical Practice Vietnam

Ear infections, also known medically as otitis media, are very common in small children, especially children under 6 years of age.   Luckily, most otitis media cases resolve quickly and are not usually serious.

There are number of factors of otitis media, including immature anatomy, physiology, genetic predisposition as well as life environment. There are small tubes (called the Eustachian tubes) which connect between the middle ear and throat. That tubes are smaller in baby and young children that can lead to get more ear infection in these groups.

Image source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Eustachian tube (infant vs. adult) [Illustration]. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19596.htm

Other factors of otitis media are:

• Age: the most common in children at 6-18 months of age and pre-school age-specific
• Some studies show that the risk of acute otitis media is related to family history
• Day care is place that the transmission of pathogens
• Lack of breastfeeding
• Tobacco smoke and air pollution exposure may increase the risk of otitis media
• It often occurs during the fall and winter months

Symptoms:

• Ear pain is common symptom and pain increase when they lied down. In young children maybe only irritability, disturbed or often wake up at night or even they often tough their ear. In older children may have hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms
• Child often has upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and runny nose
• Poor feeding, vomiting or diarrhea
• The otitis media will be diagnosed when doctor check and saw the inflammation of tympanic membrane 

Image source: Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital. (n.d.). Otitis media: Normal eardrum vs. inflamed tympanic membrane and infection [Illustration]. https://awcsh.avisena.com.my/health-articles/how-to-recognise-and-manage-otitis-media-in-children-advice-for-parents/

What we should do at home:

• Pain control: Use medication for pain such as give Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat pain
• Ear drops medication for pain such as benzocaine or lidocaine preparation may be used for kind above 2 years of age
• Symptoms treatment medication should be used if child has cough or runny nose
• Avoid swimming until the symptoms resolved

When you should see doctor

Most cases of otitis media are caused by viral infection and can self-resolve after 2-3 days. However, you should bring your child to see doctor if

• If your child is under 6 months of age, should go to see doctor as soon as possible
• For kid more than 2 years of age, you should see doctor if the symptoms not resolve after 48 hours
• Child is immunocompromised kid
• Otitis media may have complication such as tympanic membrane perforation or acute mastoiditis so you should see doctor if your child has swollen, red skin color or pain in the area behind the ear
• You also should see doctor if child has any symptoms that make you worry

Prevention for otitis media:

• Vaccine: child need to get full routine vaccine, especially Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
• Avoid cigarette smoke and air pollution exposure
• Treat upper respiratory infection, especially nasal hygiene 

Ear infections are a common part of childhood and, in most cases, can be managed safely with proper care and monitoring. Understanding the symptoms, knowing when to treat at home, and recognising when to seek medical advice can help parents feel more confident and reduce unnecessary worry. If you are unsure whether your child needs medical attention, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended.

Dr. Truong Hoang Quy is a dedicated pediatrician at FMP Healthcare Group, specialising in children’s health and development. He holds a medical degree and a master’s qualification from the University of Queensland, Australia, and has been providing compassionate, evidence-based care to young patients since joining Family Medical Practice in 2014. Dr. Quy offers comprehensive pediatric consultations, preventive care, and management of common childhood illnesses, working closely with families to support their children’s wellbeing.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Ha Noi and Đa Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services.

Visit FMP Phu My Hung in Ho Chi Minh City to consult with Dr. Truong Hoang Quy.

To book an appointment, please call (028) 3622 4988 (FMP - Phu My Hung), or email d7.reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com