Ear pus, or the medical term is referred to as otitis media, is generally caused by: by existence middle ear infection.Accumulation of pus in the ear causes pain for up to several weeks and must be treated immediately so as not to cause hearing problems.
Ear pus in children initially experienced by those who have a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Fluid from this airway will accumulate in the middle ear through a tube called the eustachian tube, and then create a perfect container for germs and viruses to multiply.
The eustachian tube is a tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. These channels are shorter and more horizontal in children than in adults. This is what makes it easy for microorganisms to enter, causing eardrum infections. This eardrum infection generally occurs in children under the age of 10 years.
The symptoms shown in children who have acute eardrum infections include ear pain, lethargy, the child becomes irritable, cries, does not want to eat, and is restless. Sometimes children also have a fever and vomiting.
Why Are Ears Frustrated?
As described above, purulent ears are most often suffered by children with upper respiratory tract infections. When an infection occurs, the respiratory tract will swell due to the inflammatory process formed by the body. This swelling will block the connecting channel between the eardrum and throat, called the eustachian tube.
This blockage in the eustachian tube prevents air from entering the middle ear, resulting in a vacuum condition that will attract fluids and germs from the nose and throat to the middle ear.
When germs enter the middle ear, the body's white blood cells react to eliminate the infection and prevent further damage. This collection of dead white blood cells that fight infection is called pus. This pus will accumulate over time, compressing the eardrum and causing the eardrum to protrude.
Protrusion of the eardrum is often accompanied by pain, so sufferers will tend to seek immediate help. This needs to be treated immediately to avoid hearing loss.
In addition to medical treatment, this purulent ear treatment can still be done naturally at home, especially to reduce pain and swelling.
Purulent Ear Treatment at home
Pain in the ear does not need to be treated immediately in the hospital. At a mild level, the pain can still be relieved through first aid at home. Efforts that can be made are:
- Warm water compresses on the outside of the ear to help relieve pain. But do it carefully, lest any warm water drips into the ear canal.
- Cold compresses can also be used if warm water doesn't help. Compress the sore ear with cold water for 20 minutes. Avoid water that is too cold as it can cause frostbite (frostbite).
- Olive oil can also help reduce pain. Just a few drops in each ear canal can relieve pain.
- Chewing or yawning can help relieve middle ear pressure. Occasionally, you will hear a popping sound indicating the eustachian tube is opening and closing to balance the pressure.
- Drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated. As an ideal dose, children aged 9-12 years should be given 1.5 liters of water every day.
In addition to these natural treatments, pain and fever relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can also be given to children who have ear pus. Antibiotics may also be prescribed by a doctor if ear pus gets worse.