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Baby Ear Infection - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Ear infections in babies can be a painful experience not just for your little one but you as well. Many parents complain of sleepless nights and missed work before they realise that their baby has had an ear infection all along. Since babies cannot communicate where they feel pain, it is best that you are well versed in the symptoms of ear pain.
What is an Ear Infection?
Ear infection or otitis media (OM) is the infection of the middle ear which is usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria appear when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, generally due to a blocked Eustachian tube. Children are more susceptible to getting an ear infection than adults. In fact, five out of six children will have at least one ear infection before the age of three. Earache in babies is one of the most common reasons why parents take their baby to the doctor.
Why are Ear Infections Common in Babies?
The Eustachian tube is one of the main components in maintaining balance in the body and is a gateway between the middle ear and the throat. Since the throat is moist, it is a breeding ground for bacteria. Any blockage in the Eustachian tube can cause fluid build-up in the middle ear. As an infant’s tube is relatively small and narrow, it becomes very easy for bacteria to travel to the middle ear and cause infections.
What Causes Ear Infections in Babies?
The following reasons cause ear infections in babies:
The infection is caused when bacteria infect the fluid build-up in the middle ear.
Fluid gets accumulated in the middle ear due to a blocked Eustachian tube.
Eustachian tubes are blocked when your baby has a cold, has allergies, or a sinus infection.
Usage of a pacifier can increase the occurrence of otitis media in your baby by 33%.
Ear Infection Symptoms in Babies
There are many signs of ear infection in a baby that you can be on a lookout for.
Tugging at the ear
Nasal discharge
Ear discharge
Irritability and crankiness
Disturbed sleep
Fever
Crying when laying down
Loss of appetite
Treatment for Ear Infections in Babies
The treatment for ear infections in babies includes destroying the bacteria in the middle ear, reducing the blockage of the Eustachian tube, and increasing the general immunity of your baby.
Most doctors will hold off on prescribing antibiotics to treat the ear infection, especially if it is a mild infection. They will instead give your baby painkillers to manage the pain. If the infection continues to show no improvement or becomes more severe in the first 48 to 72 hours, then your doctor might put your child on antibiotics.
Can Ear Infections in Babies Become Serious?
Ear infection can become a more pressing issue if left untreated. A severe infection can rupture the eardrum. A ruptured eardrum will heal itself quickly but will require frequent medical attention to ensure that it is healing correctly.
Why is it Important to Treat Ear Infections Properly?
As with all infections, if left untreated, an ear infection could spread to the rest of the body and create more severe conditions such as mastoiditis or meningitis that will require more medical attention. If antibiotics are used, then the bacteria could gain resistance to the drug if not handled correctly. This could lead to repeated infections that could cause an eventual loss of hearing in your baby.
How to Ease Ear Infection Pain in Young Children With Home Treatment?
There are several ear infection remedies for babies that you can try at home to ease the discomfort and pain that your baby is in.
Warm Compress:
Hold a cloth dipped in warm water with the excess water squeezed out on the ear. This will help to ease the discomfort your baby is sure to be feeling with the ear infection.
Salt Water:
If your child is old enough, get him to gargle with salt water which will clear the Eustachian tubes as well as soothe the inflamed throat.
Warm Oil:
If there is no discharge from the ear and the eardrum is intact, then you can put a few drops of warm oil in your child’s ear. Use olive oil, sesame oil, or garlic oil.
Does Treatment of Ear Tubes Help in Multiple Repeated Ear Infections?
Some babies are prone to multiple ear infections that originate from a single ear infection that hasn’t subsided despite antibiotics. In this scenario, the first step is to see if the primary infection in the ear can be treated with antibiotics. If the infection continues for months on end without abating, then one can look at the ear tubes as a way to provide respite.
This is a procedure where the surgeon will make a tiny incision in your child’s eardrum through which a tube will be inserted. This artificial Eustachian tube acts as a vent and allows in the air while relieving pressure by draining the fluid build-up. Because of this, bacteria cannot thrive in the middle ear.
The ear tube procedure is recommended for children who have the following conditions:
Loss of hearing on a certain level
A middle ear with structural damage
Chronic ear infections or fluid build-up in the idle ear
Discuss the options available with your doctor with regards to the procedure and the various pros and cons.
Are Ear Infections in Children Contagious?
While the actual ear infection is not contagious, an infection that can lead to the inflammation of the Eustachian tube can be infectious. Since children usually are in daycare centres or at the school where many other children are around, it is best that you avoid letting your sick child go to these places as a precaution from spreading the infection to other children.
Are Antibiotics Needed for Preventing Ear Infections in Babies?
Previously, the approach to all ear infections was to prescribe antibiotics immediately. However, with new research, more and more doctors prefer the wait and watch approach. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, a third of all ear infections in children are caused by viruses that are not affected by antibiotics. The second reason is that repeated use of antibiotics can cause the genesis of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
If the child with an ear infection is younger than two years old, then antibiotics are sure to be prescribed. This is done because children of this age cannot communicate if the pain in their ear is getting worse. Also, children of this age are more susceptible to the complications of an ear infection.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From an Ear Infection?
If your child is given antibiotics, they should start to improve within a few days of beginning the dose. If their condition continues to deteriorate, then you should bring this to the attention of your child’s doctor. In all probability, the doctor will prescribe a stronger set of antibiotics. Under no circumstances are the antibiotics to be discontinued until the full course is over. This is because there may be a few remnants that would have survived and will regain strength if the antibiotics are stopped suddenly.
How to Prevent Baby Ear Infections?
One can make sure that an ear infection doesn’t affect your child in the first place by following the below tips:
1. Staying up to date on vaccinations
Many of the infections that cause blockage of the Eustachian tubes can be avoided with vaccinations. Most babies will experience ear pain after a bout of flu. You must talk to your child’s doctor about getting the annual flu shot to stop yearly infections of the flu and ear.
2. Breastfeeding
It is important to breastfeed your baby for the first six months of his/her life as the breast milk contains antibodies that will help your baby fight infections. These antibodies work only for the first six months.
3. No Smoking
Studiesshow that children who are in an environment that has adults who smoke are more susceptible to infections. This is because the smoke suppresses the immune system of your child and leaves them open to bacterial infections that could cause an ear infection.
4. Avoiding Day Care Centers With a Large Number of Children
More the number of children in your child’s daycare, the higher are the chances that one of the children has a contagious illness that your child can catch. Make sure that the number of children in the daycare is small and manageable.
5. Elevating the Head When Drinking
Your child’s head should be above their stomach level. If not, then the fluid could flow back into her Eustachian tube.
6. Preventing Allergies
Try to identify the various allergies your child may have, especially the ones that affect your child’s respiratory system. Do not allow pets in the house, ensure that the baby’s room is free of dust, and use hypoallergenic bedding for your child.
When to Call the Doctor?
Keeping your doctor posted in the first instance is imperative as not doing so can lead to more severe complications. It is best not to delay the right kind of medical attention the infection requires. Your child’s doctor will examine the eardrum with an otoscope. If the eardrum is red and bulging, then it probably means that your child has an ear infection.
The paediatrician could also use a pneumatic otoscope which uses small amounts of air to induce a reaction from the eardrum. If the drum does not move at all, then it is another indication of an ear infection. The doctor will also examine your child’s respiratory tract to see if there is an infection that is contributing to the blockage of the Eustachian tubes.
Ear infections in children are prevalent and painful. An ear infection might seem like a small inconvenience but can lead to several severe complications that could affect the quality of life of your child. Talk to your doctor about the available options in cases of persistent infections.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Ear Infection in Babies Read more
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Baby Sleeping on the Floor - Benefits and Tips
Putting the baby to sleep is the one most satisfying and relieving feelings for a mother. However, there are some questions about your baby that you need answered. One such question that must have crossed your mind might be whether your baby can sleep on the floor. As a lot of other parents too asked us this question, we explain whether your baby should be sleeping on the floor or not.
Can a Baby Sleep on the Floor?
It is perfectly normal to let your baby sleep on the floor. Given that the sleeping conditions are safe and baby-friendly, having your baby sleep on the floor has many benefits of its own.
What Are the Benefits a Baby Gets by Sleeping on the Floor?
There are many benefits your baby can get by sleeping on the floor mattress instead of a bed.
Making babies sleep on the floor fosters independence in your baby, and brings furniture to her level. This makes the room baby-friendly.
You save on a lot of space that you would need to allocate to bulky cribs.
One major advantage is if she wakes up at night, she can move around and explore the room on her own without crying out. This gives you a good night's sleep and leaves you refreshed for another tiring day.
It also makes nursing the baby more convenient, that is, you don't have to lift her in and out of the crib again and again. The mother can just lay down on the floor next to the baby when the baby wants to breastfeed.
Precautions You Should Take While Your Baby Is Sleeping on the Floor
Here are some of the most important precautions that you should take before you can have your baby sleep on the floor:
Do not have pillows, bean bags and carpets in the room where the baby is sleeping so that these things do not pose the risk of suffocating the baby.
Use a mattress or a rollout bedding for the baby to sleep on the floor. Make sure that the bedding used is neither too hard nor too soft so that the baby is comfortable sleeping on it.
Make sure that you do not have lampshades, stools, chairs or speakers in the room, which can be knocked down by the baby and cause injuries.
Keep the baby at a very safe distance from drapes and curtains in the room. Similarly, you should also keep your baby also away from electric plugs and wires to prevent her from getting tangled and hindering movement.
One thing that you should take utmost care about is that any bug repellant or insect repellant used in the room should be a natural, organic solution. To ensure your baby is healthy, make sure the room is chemical-free.
Ensure adequate ventilation and steady temperature are present in the room. A baby-friendly temperature, which is ideally between 27 and 28 degrees should be maintained in the room at all times. You can use an air conditioner for the same.
Make sure that the room is thoroughly cleaned at all times to ensure that there is no dust or mites, which can adversely affect the health of the baby. You can consider cleaning the room using a powerful vacuum cleaner daily.
Use a mosquito net to keep your baby safe from mosquitoes and other insects. But also make sure the baby has enough space to twist and turn as well as roll around. Always keep the doors and windows closed to make sure no insects, especially mosquitos get in.
Make sure your baby is not dressed too warmly or too snugly while sleeping on the floor. The last thing you want is to have your baby getting overheated while sleeping. This should be avoided at all costs by dressing the baby very comfortably.
Always make your baby sleep on her back. This minimises the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
Make a routine with your baby so that she knows when it is time for her to sleep, change clothes, get a massage, apply moisturisers, etc.
Make sure that the floor is dry and clean. A damp floor can cause the dampness to be transferred to the baby, resulting in unwanted diseases.
Are there Any Side Effects of a Baby Sleeping on the Floor?
There are no side effects as such if your baby sleeps on the floor, as long as you take the precautions mentioned above.
Apart from all the benefits mentioned above, making a baby sleeping on the floor also ensures that your baby does not fall down if she moves in her sleep. This may happen if she is sleeping on a high bed. It is the parents' decision about where their baby should sleep, but if you want to give it a try, go ahead without thinking twice.
Also Read:
Effective Tips to Deal with Baby Sleep Problems
Working Ways to Deal With a Baby Who Fights to Sleep
Sleeping Habits That Are Harmful for Your Baby Read more
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Why Involving Kids in the Kitchen Is Important
Raising children is a challenging experience. Everyone has a unique style of raising children.
One of the ways that work the best is 'involvement'.
Involving children in your daily tasks either by explaining what you do or by making them help you, is a super-efficient way of raising kids that instils many qualities in them.
When children see their parents make food for them and enjoy the kitchen environment, they develop the urge to work in the kitchen.
Guided activities in the kitchen develop many sides of their personality; some of these activities are:
Observation - At a younger age (8 months to 2 years) when a parent shows them activities like cutting, cooking, mixing, and kneading, it is fascinating for them, and they tend to 'Observe'. Kids are keen learners, and their concentration improves. Good observation skills are preliminary for learning and development.
Teamwork - Children working in a team is a good quality to learn at a young age. For instance, if the mother asks the child to peel the potatoes or arrange vegetables in the vegetable tray, the child will ask the mother questions at every step, and the two will work in coordination to complete the task.
Knowledge - Child's knowledge of ingredients improves when they learn practically. They also see the easy way of doing things in the kitchen.
Fine Motor Skills - Holding things, passing something in the kitchen, tearing leaves or other food items, and dehulling pulses and seeds are activities that develop the fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination
Ability to Question - Children learn to ask 'why' as they work in the kitchen with their parents, and this develops their reasoning skills.
Leadership Skills - By imitating their parents in the kitchen, they learn to take charge and own the food that they are making. This develops the idea of ownership and good leadership skills.
Time Management - When food needs to be prepared within a certain time frame, for instance, by lunchtime, children may see you hurry the process and stick to time deadlines. This teaches them the importance of time management.
Special Bond – Working together in the kitchen can develop a lifelong bond between the child and the parent. These memories stay in young minds forever!
Starting from asking questions to the development of motor skills, these activities can instil in your child many values. How can you get your child engrossed in the kitchen activities? Here is a list of possible activities that you can indulge in with your child in the kitchen:
AGE 8-18 MONTHS :
Recognising the fruits and vegetables and stacking them in their respective places in the kitchen.
Peeling the potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Shelling peas and cleaning green leafy vegetables.
Naming the fruits, vegetables, flours, butter, sugar and other ingredients present in the kitchen.
Mixing and stirring the flour or salads.
Observing the step by step method of preparing food.
Knowing the types of equipment used in the kitchen like the refrigerator, microwave, gas stove, induction, blender, water purifier, etc.
AGE 18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS
Cracking eggs.
Cutting soft foods.
Setting up the table.
Cooking foods that do not involve the use of heat. Foods like salad, tossing cooked pasta with sauce, sandwichs, corn chaat, etc. can be made by children.
Supervision of Time - Asking children to call the parent when there are a specific number of whistles on the cooker.
Using different types of kitchen equipment like peeler, masher, blender under an adult's supervision.
Apart from channelising the energy of children, kitchen activities keep them interested and develop an inquisitive approach. Children might even enjoy these activities and can go one to become chefs. This is one way you can explore the hidden talents of your kids.
The only thing to be careful about is safety. Measures have to be taken to ensure that kids are safe and do not harm themselves or others.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Chicken Pepper Soup
Beat the chilly winter evenings with this belly warming comfort food, i.e. the chicken pepper soup. To speak of all the goodness the ingredients contain, pepper has natural elements that help in improving digestion, is a great antioxidant and has antibacterial effects. So, we propose that you go ahead and enjoy a hot cuppa with your friends and family, the togetherness clubbed with the wholesomeness of the soup will make you immune against all those pesky infections.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
40-45 Minutes
40-45 Minutes
Ingredients
250 gm Chicken
1 Onion
2 Tomato
2 tbsp Tur Dal (Pigeon Pea)(optional)
¼ tbsp Turmeric powder
2 tbsp Coarsely ground Pepper
1 tbsp - Dry Coriander powder
1 tbsp - Ginger and garlic paste
15 ml Oil
1 tsp - Crushed Fennel seed
5 - Curry leaves
1 tsp - Crushed Cumin seeds
1 1/2 – tsp Garam masala powder
½ tsp - Corn flour
1 tbsp - Fresh lime juice
Coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing
Method
Step 1
Wash chicken pieces thoroughly under running water and keep them in a strainer for 10-15 mins so that the excess water gets drained out.
Step 2
Cook the chicken pieces in a pressure cooker, until they become soft and tender.
Step 3
In the meantime, take a frying pan, and add a tsp of oil, chopped onion, tur dal and chopped tomatoes.
Step 4
Next, add turmeric powder, ground pepper, coriander, ginger garlic paste, fennel seed powder, fresh curry leaves, masala and cumin powder to the oil. Add salt to taste.
Step 5
Take the cooker off gas and remove the lid. Separate the meat portion from the bones and pulse it in a grinder.
Step 6
Add this ground chicken to the tempering you just made, and mix thoroughly.
Step 7
Next, take a small bowl and add a tablespoon of corn flour in 25 ml milk. Whisk thoroughly to make sure that all lumps are dissolved.
Step 8
Add this mixture to the soup and let the mixture boil for 5 minutes till the mixture gels with the chicken and other content well.
Step 9
Keep checking the consistency of the soup. After it turns a little thick, turn off the flame, add a tablespoon of fresh lime juice and stir well.
Step 10
Take a soup bowl and pour out the soup. Garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Step 11
Serve this soup hot and enjoy the winter evening.
Tip -If you want to add noodles to the soup, it should be cooked separately and added before giving a last boil to the soup. Read more
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Funny Things Craft Loving Moms Do
All mothers want the best for their children. Though most buy their kids goodies from stores, there are others who prefer to do things themselves. If you're one of those daughters who's lived with her mom's craft obsession, check out these points you'll surely agree to.
Mothers have a habit of making most decisions for their children. But what if your mother also prefers making things for you? If you’ve grown up with a DIY mom, there are some things you’ll surely relate to.
6 Amazing Things Craft-obsessed Moms Do
1. Costly is out
If you’re used to using things and clothes that your mom so lovingly and thoughtfully made for you, you could’ve developed a love for expensive store-bought stuff later on. Having curbed your shopping desires for long, this is quite normal. But as soon as your mother finds out you’ve been out shopping, she’s all geared up to make what you need. Being a dutiful daughter who doesn’t want to hurt her mom’s feelings, you meekly agree to the offer.
2. Go for yarn sales
Your mommy's craft obsession knows no end during the winter season when yarn goes on sale. You can catch her knitting sweaters, socks, mittens and caps for you and the whole family. Since you don't want to hurt her feelings, you pray that what she’s knitting turns out to be something out of the pages of a fashion magazine. The end results, however, aren’t all that snazzy so you end up looking a bit like a scrunched up version of yourself!
3. Craft accessories everywhere!
Growing up with a mom obsessed with craft, you come across craft accessories tucked away in different nooks and crannies of your house. These could be anything from felt paper to glitter, ribbons to artificial flowers, yarns and thread to glue and fabric. These were the things that always came in handy when you needed a surprise gift for your friend or teacher.
4. Do it yourself
As if mom's craft obsession was not enough, she’d pester you to learn DIY techniques and make things by yourself. What's more, she’d extend the same advice to friends and neighbours. It’s not altogether surprising that even your husband is now asked to give her a helping hand from time to time.
5. Don't be a nervous wreck
As long as your mom's handiwork was restricted to the house, everything was fine. But, how often were you subjected to situations where mom volunteered to show off her crafty skills at school? These were the times you were most nervous and prayed endlessly for everything to fall in place. Fortunately, she never let you down!
6. You can't thank her more
No matter how put off you were about her obsession to DIY projects, she was the one who steered you out of difficult situations like last-minute science project submissions. Even better, your birthday jams were the talk of your friends, thanks to the amazing decorative ideas she came up with.
More than her obsession to craft and doing everything herself, it was her love for you that showed in her creations. Now that you’re a mom yourself you certainly understand this better, and your children are on the receiving end of your DIY obsession too! Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert my baby took birth on 3rd may , she has little yellow eyes , I am attaching report .
kindly guide me what to do now
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 mins ago
A. further evaluation required and management. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert How to get rid of bloating
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
3 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hi, my LFT is SGOT 58.80 & SGPT 96.90
and Bile acid is 8.83.
does it requires plan delivery in 37 week or I can wait till labour pain starts itself till 40th week?
also I am 34 weeks pregnant but in ultrasound it's showing 32 weeks is it any matter of concern?
Read moreSarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 min ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better and please trust your doctor.
Take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
3 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert gud morning mam ,, iam 5 th month pregnant women.. nowadays I have leg cramping it's just for 10 min but painful.. is there any solution
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 mins ago
A. This is usually happened during the time of pregnancy due to nutritional deficiency and sometimes not having a proper diet maybe something is missing into your diet so you can consult your gynaecologist and you can go for what they suggest
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 mins ago
Q. hi mam iam running 36 week pregnant.getting dizziness and tired everytime please suggest what should I do
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 min ago
A. Eating small meals throughout the day: Some women find that foods rich in protein and other nutrients, such as eggs, are especially helpful. Drinking plenty of water: Helping prevent dizziness is just one of the many benefits of hydration.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
New Question
Q. #asktheexpert why sometime I have a pain in my s.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
New Answer
A. In this here it is very difficult to comment properly until a proper examination or assessmehunt is done to find out the exact cause so it is advisable to consult your doctor so that he could examine and evaluate properly and will guide you accordingly for this .
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