Q&A: Ears are a bother

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com

Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor.

My baby is seven months old, and she keeps on pulling her ear. There also appears to be a lot of wax in that ear. Should I take her to the paed? What are the symptoms of an ear infection, and what causes it?

DR MARETHA COMBRINK ANSWERS: Ear infections (otitis media) go hand in hand with the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like a runny nose and fever. Your baby could lose her appetite and be unusually tearful, especially when you lay her down. Older children could appear clumsy and off balance when they walk or run.

The infection can have a bacterial or a viral cause. During the infection or even during an allergic episode, the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the nose and mouth cavity, can swell and get clogged up. This can let moisture build up behind the middle ear, causing pain and infection. If the pressure builds up a lot, this can result in a little hole in the eardrum, and watery fluid or pus could run from the ear.

Babies and children have shorter Eustachian tubes than adults, and they are more horizontal too. This, combined with the fact that children lie down more than adults, is why ear infections are more common in babies than in adults. If you suspect that your baby has an ear infection, it is important to see a doctor to have the diagnosis confirmed. Medication could include something for pain relief. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics will be prescribed.

In the case of repeated ear infections it would be useful to get the opinion of an ear, nose and throat specialist in order to decide whether grommets – small tubes inserted in the eardrums to air out the middle ear – are necessary. ●

FOR YOU Nuxe Crème Fraîche de Beauté Creamin-Mist, R375, at Woolworths, Truworths and Foschini smells like heaven and delivers moisture that refreshes at the same time. Vegan and recyclable packaging too.

FOR YOUR FIRST AID KIT Melcura HoneyGel wound care products are honey-based. The HoneyGel contains medicalgrade fynbos honey and vitamins C and E, which stop bacteria and promote healing. You can use Melcura on open wounds and on dressings for all types of wounds including cuts, abrasions, donor sites, first and second degree burns, bites, arterial and diabetic ulcers, chronic wounds and post-surgery wounds. R99 for 30g and R124 for 50g. See melcura.co.za for stockists. com/en-za and order. changing drawers including

FOR THE NURSERY Flexa is a Danish brand that is available in SA now! The furniture is safe, beautiful and designed to last, with products that evolve as your child grows. Visit flexaworld. to see more This white unit with three is R10 600, delivery.