Parenting

What’s Up With Ear Infections and Antibiotics

It’s cold and flu season is here and I’m already hearing that familiar refrain in my office: “I wanted to bring him in just to make sure he didn’t have an ear infection.” Ah yes, the dreaded ear infection.

Ear infections are no fun if you’re an adult, and many of us remember the pain we experienced when we had one as a child. As a result Ear pain is one of the most common concerns that parents have. If you had an ear infection as a child you remember how painful and uncomfortable it was. Parents often bring their children in to be checked for an ear infection if they’re waking at night, pulling on their ears, coughing, having a fever or actually complaining of ear pain.

The good news is that the vast majority of the time, kids and babies who are pulling on their ears but who are not otherwise sick, do not have an infection. This is usually true even if the child has recently had a cold.

But when kids do get an ear infection, it hurts! So what are parents supposed to do if they suspect their child has an ear infection? It’s time to talk about all things ear infections with resident ear nose and throat doctor, Dr. Matthew Brigger.

What is an ear infection actually?
There are lots of issues that can affect the ears, especially when a child has a cold, flu or other illness. Many of these illnesses can mimic the symptoms of an ear infection, which leaves many parents frustrated when their child is sick, experiencing ear pain and a doctor, like myself or Dr. Brigger, check out their child’s ears and discovers no signs of an infection.

Ear infections are infections similar to a pimple or any other cut or abrasion that gets infected. Dr. Brigger explains that in a true ear infection, “bacteria grows behind the eardrum leading to a collection of pus.” Pus is a thick fluid consisting of dead white blood cells that your immune system sends to fight the infection. Your ear structure is actually pretty small, and there’s no place for that accumulated pus to go, which causes the “pressure, pain and temporary hearing loss” Dr. Brigger says we’re all familiar with.

With that said, there’s another kind of “ear infection,” one that isn’t caused by bacteria and pus. If an ear infection is caused by a virus there can be inflammation and eardrum pain or have clear fluid behind the eardrum, but the key is the lack of pus behind the eardrum.

Symptoms
Both types of ear infections can cause similar symptoms. Usually for your doctor to consider an ear infection as a differential diagnosis, we look for signs that the child is sick or is suffering from allergies (more on that later). Generally speaking, if your child is sick and experience the following symptoms, they may have an ear infection:

Ear pain, especially when lying down (in babies and non-verbal children this can include increased irritability, crying or fussiness);
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Headache

Why do kids get ear infections?
We most often see ear infections in kids who are already sick with colds. As an adult, you likely remember how much an ear infection hurt as a child, but you probably haven’t had one as an adult. There’s actually a really good reason for both of these things.

Dr. Brigger explains this has to do with the structure of our ears as we mature. “The space behind the eardrum, also known as the middle ear, is filled with air which comes from the nose. The air is delivered through a small internal connection known as the Eustachian tube. By having air in the middle ear, our eardrum can vibrate properly.” That’s how we hear. How our ears developed this way is actually ingenious evolutionarily, but it also leaves them vulnerable to infections.

This ingenious bit of evolution can go haywire when the Eustachian tube is closed off by congestion during a cold, or allergies. “When the Eustachian tube closes off, the ear can fill with fluid which then becomes infected. Due to the small size and immature nature of the Eustachian tube in children, they are more likely to get ear infections than adults.”

Unfortunately for children, it can be normal for fluid to persist in the middle ear after an infection or be present during a cold, but this is “non-infected ear fluid which may remain [behind the ear drum] up to several months”.

How are ear infections treated?
Our treatment of ear infections has evolved tremendously. If you had an ear infection as a child in the 70s, 80s or 90s you likely remember being prescribed a liquid antibiotic that tasted like bananas. If your child has had an ear infection in the past few years, you’ve likely noticed that antibiotics for ear infections are no longer our first line of defense.

“Most ear infections are relatively minor and some do not even require antibiotics,” Dr. Brigger says. This is because not all ear infections are caused by bacteria, some are caused by viruses. If the infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help the infection resolve. A bacterial ear infection (the kind we discussed above) is caused when the pus collection causes bulging of the eardrum, as well as signs of inflammation like pain and fever.

Our current guidelines allow for pain control for 24-48 hours prior to starting antibiotics in children over 2 years of age, who do not have a history of ear problems and who are otherwise well. “In general, antibiotics will lead to resolution of [an] acute [bacterial] infection relatively quickly,” Dr. Brigger says, but he cautions the correct antibiotic needs to be used. In recent years, increasingly more people have experimented with alternative antibiotics or even using fish antibiotics for human dosage, but this is not advisable for infants.

What are the complications of ear infections?
While most ear infections are benign and will resolve on their own, some ear infections can result in complications or can reoccur multiple times. When that happens it’s usually when your pediatrician will call-in an ear nose and throat specialist like Dr. Brigger.

“Untreated ear infections can lead to rupture and scarring of the eardrum. Occasionally, repeated ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss,” Dr. Brigger cautions. But that’s not all, “in rare instances, ear infections can lead to more serious bacterial infections, including infection of the skull bones or the brain. Rarely ear infections can cause damage to the nerve that controls facial movement.” Those are pretty big, but rare, risks. Therefore, if your child is still having pain or physical signs of an ear infection 24-48 hours after diagnosis, it’s good to follow-up with your pediatrician and see if treatment with antibiotics would be beneficial.

When does a child need ear tubes? (And really, what are ear tubes?)
Some kids have dysfunction of their Eustachian tubes that causes increased pressure in the middle ear even when they aren’t sick with a cold. That can also lead to an infection and considerable pain. So when should parents consider ear tubes for children with recurrent ear infections?

“Ear tubes should be considered when a child has frequent ear infections. In general, when children have 3 infections in 6 months or 4 infections in a year, ear tubes may be indicated,” Dr. Brigger says. “Ear tubes are also known as pressure equalization tubes and are placed through a surgical procedure that creates a hole in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain but more importantly allows the space behind the eardrum to fill with air and equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Ear tubes are small approximately 1mm rings with flanges that hold the ring in the eardrum. Ear tubes generally last approximately 8-10 months and then fall out on their own at which point the eardrum generally heals. The small size of the ear tube still allows the eardrum to vibrate and allow normal hearing.”

While having ear tubes placed is considered a surgery, Dr. Brigger says recovery is usually uncomplicated. “Recovery from surgery is generally quite easy with most children resuming their normal routines the following day. Ear tubes do not prevent children from swimming as earplugs are no longer recommended when in the water.”

So in a nutshell, if you are worried about your child’s ears, have him/her checked. Follow your doctor’s advice and if antibiotics are prescribed, finish the entire prescription. If your child is getting frequent ear infections, a referral to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor may be needed.

Author: Dr. Jaime Friedman. A pediatrician in San Diego, CA.

Originally posted at https://thescientificparent.org/ear-infections-antibiotics-virus-bacteria/

Parenting

The Top 10 G-Rated Movies of All Time: A Cinematic Journey for All Ages

G-Rated Movies - A family watching a movie and eating popcorn in the furniture at home.

G-rated films are magical. They appeal to children and have a timeless charm that can captivate audiences of all ages.

From breathtaking animation to heartfelt storytelling, G-rated movies uniquely evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression.

We’ve gathered a list of the top 10 G-rated movies that have stood the test of time and continue entertaining viewers worldwide, according to IMDB.

Top 10 G-Rated Movies of All-Time

The Lion King (1994)

At the top of our list is Disney’s “The Lion King.” This animated masterpiece has captured the hearts of millions. The film’s memorable characters, powerful soundtrack, and the gripping story will have you humming “Hakuna Matata” long after the credits roll.

Toy Story (1995)

The groundbreaking “Toy Story” was Pixar’s first feature film and the first entirely computer-animated movie. This heartwarming tale of friendship between toys Woody and Buzz Lightyear is an engaging adventure filled with humor, emotion, and unforgettable moments that still resonate with audiences today.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A classic film transcending generations, “The Wizard of Oz” is a timeless tale of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination. With its iconic songs, whimsical characters, and vibrant Technicolor world, this magical journey to the land of Oz will forever hold a special place in the hearts of movie lovers.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Julie Andrews’ magical performance as Mary Poppins has delighted audiences for decades. With its memorable songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” and whimsical adventures, the musical shows that anything is possible with a little imagination.

The Sound of Music (1965)

This beloved musical, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Austrian Alps, follows the heartwarming story of the von Trapp family and their governess, Maria. “The Sound of Music” offers a perfect blend of unforgettable songs, captivating performances, and an inspiring tale of love and resilience during a time of turmoil.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a visually stunning masterpiece with unforgettable songs and mesmerizing animation. The film’s timeless story of love, understanding, and redemption has captivated audiences for decades.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

“The Little Mermaid” is a Disney classic that inspires viewers to explore new worlds and follow their dreams. The film’s catchy tunes, lovable characters, and captivating animation tell the story of Ariel, a curious and free-spirited mermaid who dreams of life on land.

Aladdin (1992)

Disney’s “Aladdin” is an enchanting film that takes viewers on a thrilling magic carpet ride through the mystical city of Agrabah. The film’s memorable characters, witty humor, and iconic soundtrack have made it a beloved classic that still manages to charm audiences with its tale of love, adventure, and the power of true friendship

Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” is a heartwarming tale of a father’s unwavering love for his son. This visually stunning underwater adventure, filled with lovable characters and important life lessons, showcases the importance of family, determination, and the bonds that connect us all.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Rounding off our list is another Pixar gem, “Monsters, Inc.” This imaginative film takes us into the world of monsters, where best friends Mike and Sulley discover that laughter is more powerful than fear. With its clever humor, engaging story, and endearing characters, “Monsters, Inc.” is a true testament to the power of friendship and creativity.

Conclusion:

G-rated movies are beloved by audiences of all ages for their timeless stories and unforgettable characters. These top 10 G-rated movies have left an indelible mark on the hearts of movie lovers worldwide and continue to be cherished for generations to come.

Parenting

What Are The Best Colors For Family Pictures Outside?

Picture this: It’s a bright summer day, you’re wearing your best clothes, and your family has gathered together outside for some pictures. Now, what color is best to wear?

This post is meant to give you an idea of the best colors for family pictures outside. It can be tricky trying to figure out what colors will best show the best family pictures outside. Because there are so many different colors, it can be difficult to find out what will best show off your best features.

This is a hard question because every person has his or her best color for photos, which means that everyone should come up with their best colors for pictures outside.

Best colors for outside family pictures.

Navy, cream, and tan

A color scheme for family photos that works in any season is navy, cream, and tan, which are timeless and work well in any weather. The cream and navy colors go well with the spring pastels and bright greens. They also look good with the green grass and trees in a park.

Coral and navy

When it comes to color schemes, most of them have one or two bright colors mixed with one or two “neutral” colors. The outfit’s main color is coral. Navy, gray, white, and other neutral colors help to ground and balance the bright coral in this outfit. They also help to make the coral look less bright.

Wine, cream, and gold

If you want to take a holiday family picture, this color scheme will work well. When we think about holiday family photos, the colors red and green are often the first things that come to mind. For pictures of Christmas, go to the site. However, if you do plan to use them, a wine, cream, and gold color scheme will put you right in the Christmas spirit.

Pink, tan, and cream

The colors that people like the most are pink, cream, and tan. Photos of the family on the beach are good for. Here’s what you should wear on a trip with your family: for It is very simple and monochromatic. The soft, pale pink color of this family set is almost like a neutral. There are a lot of shades of tan and cream.

Peach, blue, and denim

It’s a good idea to use peach, blue, and denim in your family photos in the springtime. Peach goes well with the pastel-colored flowers that bloom in Northeast Ohio in the spring. As a neutral, jeans keep the outfit from becoming too bright with the new spring colors.

Red, white and blue

This blue, white, red, and blue color scheme feels right for a Fourth of July family picture. Because red is so attention-grabbing, it can be hard to work within photos because of this. I think it’s great for making eye-catching family portraits. If you want to use red in your color scheme, think about where your meeting will be. It would be best if the backdrop was neutral-colored, like at the beach or in city downtown. This color scheme is why even though there is a lot of greenery, your picture might have a Christmas feel.

Things to consider when picking the best color of clothes for family photos

The location:

As soon as you figure out which colors are best for the season, narrow them down to just a few based on where the shoot is taking place.

When it comes to urban themes, bright colors work well, but they don’t look good in a field or with trees and grass around them.

In the same way, don’t use pale pastels when you’re in front of a light background, such as the wall of a building or structure. This goes for dark backgrounds, too.

The colors of your home:

Look at the colors in the place where the photos will be shown. If all you see are muted and soft colors, there’s no need to be bold with your clothes. There is no doubt that the opposite is true, too.

The skin tone:

They look best with warm colors like brown and yellow and warm shades of red and orange and brown and yellow and orange and reddish-purple and reddish-purple and cream.

If you want to look good, don’t wear jewel tones or icy shades. Make sure you don’t wear orange and red near your skin.

Top tips to get the colors right for family pictures!

A color that doesn’t match one of your family members’ skin tones but you still want to stay in your chosen palette? Choose a top and pair it with a bottom from your chosen palette.

Consider looking at store displays for ideas. Typically, the windows show off the season’s most fashionable clothes, as well as the best colors in the clothes.

In order to add a little color to your neutral palette, have one member of the family wear a brighter shade, or even a different shade.

It’s important not to go overboard with your desire to add color.

With different textures and accessories, like belts and scarves, you can make the look even more interesting.

Instead of matching, try to add something to each other. This isn’t just true for colors, but also for different styles of clothes. So, if most of you are wearing jeans, add a dress or two to make things even.

As parents, it is important to choose clothes that are not only in the right colors but also the most comfortable. So you won’t have to deal with kids who are fidgety and angry when they want to undress.

Final thoughts

best colors for family pictures outside

When you are choosing the best colors for family pictures outside, it is best to look at what other people are wearing in the photographs. You do not want your group to look bland or have an entirely different color scheme from everyone else in the photos. This could cause confusion over who belongs with whom.

If you have a hard time picking the best colors for family pictures outside, maybe even the best colors for family photos in general take a look at the best color combinations for group photos.

Activities

10 Best Dandruff Shampoo For Kids For A Dandruff-Free Scalp

best dandruff shampoo-image from pixabay by jackmac347

Do you have an itchy, flaky scalp? Due to their delicate scalps, young individuals are especially prone to dandruff. Even newborns occasionally develop dandruff.

Dandruff is not a major issue, but it can be embarrassing for both youngsters and adults. It’s best to address the problem while it’s still minor. An itchy, flaky scalp will certainly ruin your disposition, and you’ll want to avoid socializing as well! Here are some treatments that might help you deal with this condition.

Best Dandruff Shampoo For Kids

1) Tea Tree Oil-Based Shampoo For Kids

Tea tree oil has anti-dandruff effects that aid in the treatment of Scalp Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Eczema, and Psoriasis. It also has a pleasant scent and helps to remove dry scales from dandruff. These factors make it one of the best dandruff shampoo for kids.

2) Jojoba Oil Shampoo

Jojoba oil is excellent for people with sensitive scalps because of its non-irritating qualities. This mild, hypoallergenic shampoo incorporates jojoba extracts to moisturize your scalp all day long, preventing the development of fungus that causes dandruff. Its lovely scent may lift your spirits in no time.

3) Gentle Baby Shampoo With Coconut Milk And Oat Extracts

Coconut milk is beneficial for your hair since it contains nutritious components, such as oat extracts and vitamin E. They help to keep the scalp hydrated. The shampoo lathers effectively and aids in the cleaning of dirty hair. It removes dirt, dust, perspiration, and other debris from your hair. Coconut milk also works well in combating dandruff as a result of its mild cleansing chemicals.

4) Baby Shampoo With Soothing Oatmeal And Moisturizing Conditioner

This combination includes natural extracts like oatmeal that aid in the treatment of dandruff or psoriasis-induced dryness, scaliness, and irritation. Its light scent will make your baby smile after his bath.

best dandruff shampoo for kids-image from pixabay by SocialButterflyMMG

5) Tea Tree Anti-Dandruff Shampoo For Babies And Adults

It’s great for babies with cradle caps since it may be applied every day to infants aged three months and older. It treats seborrheic dermatitis, skin rashes, and flaky scalp by restoring the skin’s pH balance.

6) Neem And Tea Tree Shampoo For Healthy Scalp And Hair

This shampoo is ideal for you if your hair gets greasy quickly after a wash, or if you have dandruff and psoriasis. This includes antifungal and antiseptic chemicals found in neem and tea tree oil, which help to remove extra grime and oil from your scalp.

7) Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo For Babies And Children

Ketoconazole is an anti-yeast ingredient in Nizoral, which combats dandruff on the scalp by preventing yeast from accumulating on the surface. It has a nice scent and can be used daily on children older than six months. Such properties make it the best dandruff shampoo for kids.

8) Dandruff Shampoo For Babies With Natural Ingredients

The natural components of this mild shampoo are especially beneficial for infants with mild to moderate dandruff issues. Because of the non-staining formulation, the blue-bottled bottle is ideal for babies.

9) Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo And Conditioner Combo

The best thing about this combination is that you only pay for one bottle. This herbal anti-dandruff shampoo has a conditioner to keep the scalp healthy, flake-free, and free of dandruff.

10) T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo For Children And Adults

ZPT-Gel is ideal for itchy, flaky scalps since its inclusion of a well-researched component called Coal Tar. This component slows down the rate of skin cell development in order to combat itching, inflammation, and scaling caused by dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. It also has a refreshing scent that helps you unwind after a stressful day.

best shampoo-image from pixabay by Igorrovyannykov

Factors to consider while choosing the best dandruff shampoo for kids

Price

You may have a tight budget, or you might wish to invest in something that is best for your wallet. You can select from the finest dandruff shampoos for infants listed above depending on your needs and price range.

Fragrance

Children adore fragrant shampoos, but if they’re too powerful, they’ll get irritated after washing! Before purchasing it, be sure to smell it. If you have a baby at home who becomes irritated easily, choose mild fragrances that are more soothing on sensitive skin. Other possibilities include lavender or rosemary-scented shampoos, which combat dandruff. It also provides a relaxing environment for your child.

Packaging

Instead of glass bottles, which are somewhat hefty and breakable, select a tube or pump bottle for your infant’s dandruff shampoos. The nicest thing about these bottles is that you may precisely dispense the necessary quantity for one use, saving product.

Natural ingredients

The most popular dandruff shampoos include ketoconazole, an antifungal agent, and tea tree oil extracts. This aids in the treatment of scalp infections, dryness, and flakiness. Al vera, almond extract, and other moisturizing substances are combined with therapeutic compounds such as ketoconazole to make the best-rated products.

If your kid has a cradle cap, for example, you’ll want to get the best anti-dandruff shampoo with conditioner. Such shampoos include ingredients like oatmeal extracts that moisturize and help eliminate cradle caps in a week.

The oiliness of the scalp:

It is best to use the finest anti-dandruff baby shampoo that includes substances like tea tree oil and salicylic acid. They have antimicrobial properties, which assist remove excessive oil from the skin. It doesn’t remove natural oils. Best antidandruff shampoo for dry scalps should include moisturizing and hydrating components.

Skin type

If your kid has dry skin, the best anti-dandruff baby shampoo should contain moisturizing components such as glycerin. If your kid’s hair is greasy, the best anti-dandruff shampoo for kids with tea tree oil or salicylic acid should be used. It’s important to buy a dandruff treatment that contains mild ingredients that are non-irritating. All of these finest anti-dandruff shampoos have been tested, so you can rest assured that they will not harm your child’s scalp or hair.

These shampoos, as the name suggests, contain therapeutic components such as tea tree oil, jojoba oil, oatmeal extracts, and more. Some of them even come with conditioners. If you’re not a fan of the conditioner, consider investing in a separate anti-dandruff treatment.

Do not use these shampoos on your baby’s scalp straight away because they might burn the skin and make it worse. Always dilute it with water before applying. Cleaning your child’s hair may be accomplished using mild baby shampoo. So, which dandruff shampoo for babies will you try? Please leave a comment below.