1. Avoid manipulation of the ears.
The use of cotton swabs, earwax removal clips, and self-washing increase the risk of outer ear infections.
2. Do not use ear plugs unless absolutely necessary.
Applying an ear plug in the external orifice of the ear not only injures the skin of the ear canal, but also pushes earwax to the bottom of the ear canal and prevents it from being ventilated and cleaned.
3. In case of itching, pain, suppuration or plugging, avoid water entering the ear.
Itching of the ear may be due to eczema or otitis, which are made worse by water entering the ear. Similarly, pain and drainage are often due to an ear infection, the first treatment measure for which is to prevent water from entering the ear.
4. If you suffer from repeated otitis externa, use preventive ear drops.
People who suffer from ear skin infections with water ingress, in addition to avoiding wetting their ears, often require a prescription from their ENT doctor for ear disinfectant drops.
5. Avoid predisposing factors for middle ear infections.
In children with recurrent middle ear infections, it is advisable to avoid risk factors for the occurrence of these infections, such as day care attendance, use of pacifiers and smoking in the child’s environment.
6. Use otitis media preventive factors
Factors that help prevent middle ear infections include breastfeeding and treating allergies and respiratory tract infections.
7. Carefully perform nasal washes
Nasal washes in children are very beneficial to keep the respiratory tract in good condition, but in young children they must be performed properly to prevent water from entering through the middle ear. The correct way to wash the nose is with the baby lying on its side and instilling the liquid in the orifice that remains above without pressure.
8. Identify the existence of respiratory allergies
Allergies cause an increase in secretions and their viscosity, favoring the appearance of otitis media in children. It is convenient to rule out an allergic problem when there are repeated otitis media.
9. Ruling out the presence of adenoid pathology
When a child suffers from repeated middle ear infections, adenoid vegetations should be studied. The pathology of these consists of recurrent infections (adenoiditis) or overgrowth (adenoid hypertrophy) that must be adequately treated, sometimes by surgical intervention (adenoidectomy).
10. Check for hearing problems
The persistence of mucus in the ear (secretory otitis) or repeated infections can cause hearing problems that sometimes go unnoticed and can become permanent. It is therefore necessary to detect them in order to carry out an adequate treatment.