Preventing Ear Infections
Some do’s, don’ts and valuable tips

If you are looking for foul-proof tips for preventing ear infections, we will have to disappoint you

The reason is that it is perfectly normal for children to have two or more bouts of ear infections during their childhood. Unfortunately there is nothing you can really do to prevent this, there is no miracle way to prevent this known yet. This also goes for adults by the way

Unfortunately pain relief is often the only available option when you develop an ear infection

Although there are no surefire ways for preventing ear infections, there are however some things you can do to reduce the chances of developing an ear infection and the accompanying ear pain

Yep, that's how it feels

Preventing Ear Infections
general tips

Don't smoke

and also avoid secondary or passive smoking, which means try not to go where others smoke. Smoke can block the Eustachian tubes. Children who live in a smoke free home are less likely to develop ear infections. Besides that smoke can also cause many other problems in children

Clean air

Clean air is important in preventing ear infections, so kill the fire in your fire place or wood stove, the smoke and soot have the same effects as cigarette smoke

Avoid people with a cold

if possible of cours. Might be difficult sometimes, but getting a cold from somebody else is one of the most common reasons you or your child develops an ear infection

Wash your hands

teach your children the proper ways to do so; this cleans bacteria and germs which might cause infections. Try to avoid touching your nose and eyes

Avoid crowded & unsanitary living conditions

This also increase the risk

High altitudes

Going to high altitudes increases the chance, especially when you already have a cold

Clean ears

Keep your ears and the surrounding area dry and clean using soft cotton fabrics

Cover ears

To further lower chances of getting an ear infection you can cover the outside of the ear with cotton. This acts as a safe coverage for the ear and prevents it from various air and water borne ear infections

Like we said they are no guarantees when it comes to preventing ear infections but these tips could lower the chance of attracting them

Preventing ear infections in babies

It is so painful to watch

Besides the tips above, there is also evidence that you can increase the possibility of preventing ear infections in babies and little children when you consider the following:

Breastfeeding

Children who are breastfed more than 6 months are not as likely to develop it as bottle-fed babies. Researchers believe that babies who are breastfed have a stronger immunity to infections in the nose, throat and sinuses

Larger groups

Children in larger groups run a higher risk, the chances of running into (or crawling into) bacteria, germs and viruses which can cause an infection are bigger. When you have a child which is very susceptible to ear infections, consider a smaller group or family day care option

Dummies

Babies who do not use dummies seem to develop it less. If you give your child a dummy try to do it only to get the baby to sleep, limit the use

Do's, don'ts & more tips
preventing ear infections and ear pain

First some Do's:

Steam inhalation

often clears all the spaces in the ear, nose and throat. Put some eucalyptus leaves or Vicks vapo rub in a steamy hot bowl or bath and inhale

Eat green vegetables

they are rich in minerals, vitamins and zinc. This will build a better immune system and can soothe the pain and fight the infection

Take small sips of water

When swallowing you open up the eustachian tubes and drain them which eases the pain

Clear your nose, throat

Before you go to bed clear your nose, throat. A fast and safe way to do this is with a salt water solution or a seawater nose spray. Take a tablespoon of clean water and put in some sea salt (make it taste like tears). Use this as nose drops and your nose will open like magic

Head up

Try to keep your head up, also when sleeping, this way the Eustachian tubes drain naturally. A bit more difficult at night but helpful

Ear infection prevention
things to avoid

No aspirin

For pain relief never give an aspirin to anyone younger than 21! (they risk Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening neurological disease)

No dairy products

During a middle ear infection avoid dairy products like cow's milk, butter, cheese, yogurt etc and sugar. These products increase mucus production

Avoid spicy and oily food

they seem to irritate the infections and the earache

Avoid drinking alcohol

Eat less fat

When you want to reduce the amount of earwax you make, eat less saturated fatty acids

More tips for ear infection prevention

Hearing loss

If you lost your hearing or your ears stay plugged up for more than a couple of days after a cold, you should call your doctor. You could already have an ear infection or fluid in the middle ear. When you leave anear infection untreated it can cause permanent Hearing loss in children and adults

Ear infections close together

Some children have ear infections close together. If this happens contact your doctor

Patience…

we know it is difficult with a crying baby keeping you up at night, but your baby will outgrow it eventually

That's it, the chances of you actually preventing ear infections have grown dramatically, that is if you keep these tips in mind. It's still not 100% guaranteed but you are on your way