Why does a runny nose turn into otitis

Many parents do not consider a runny nose in a child a serious illness, and in vain - it can lead to otitis media. What does the prevention of otitis media in a runny nose include? How to blow your nose?

The development of otitis with a runny nose is associated with a violation of the patency of the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx with the tympanic cavity of the middle ear, which is primarily due to its swelling and blockage with thick nasal mucus.
In children, the Eustachian tube is wide and short, so microbes easily and quickly overcome the let from the nasopharynx to the middle ear.

Nasal congestion and improper blowing of the nose contribute to the reflux of infected mucus into the ear.

Otitis may occur from:
1. passive smoking, that is, inhalation of tobacco smoke;
2. using a pacifier;
3. decreased immunity;
4. neglect of the common cold;
5. adenoids.

What to do to avoid otitis?

Treat a runny nose: use vasoconstrictor drops to improve the flow of mucus through the nasal passages, reduce the likelihood of reflux into the Eustachian tubes and reduce their swelling.
Liquid nasal secretion does not pose a danger in terms of the development of otitis media. In order to prevent it from thickening, it is important to ensure that the child consumes enough fluids, does not have a temperature, so that the room where he is located has clean, fresh, cool and humid air.
Observe moderation when blowing your nose. The situation when a mother pinches a child’s nose with a handkerchief and asks him to blow his nose “harder, even harder” very often precedes the development of otitis.


How can you help a child?
If a child has a stuffy nose, before asking him to blow their nose, you need to drip vasoconstrictor drops into his nose - they will reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane and facilitate the discharge of mucus.

How to blow your nose?
To clear the nasal cavity of mucus, it is enough to close one nostril and exhale air confidently and smoothly through the second."

How to teach a child to blow his nose?
Play a game with him: ask him to breathe intensively through his nose, "like a hedgehog or a train."
Pinch one nostril and continue this game. Repeat the inhalation and exhalation 5-6 times, then repeat everything with the other half of the nose.
Now ask your baby to inhale through the mouth and exhale through both nostrils of the nose. Repeat 5-6 times.
Continue this breathing, first closing one, then the other nostril.