Taking Care Of Your Child`s Ears

Not long ago I came across a problem concerning my younger daughter`s ears, cleaning them to be exact. Every time I tried to use a cotton swab to clean her ears she burst into tears and as soon as she started talking Sophiko kept shouting, "It hurts, it hurts!!!". The situation has not changed so far, thus I have decided to look this question up in the Net. Here is what I `ve found:

The Facts on Earwax

You might wonder about earwax and whether it needs to be cleaned out. Actually, even though earwax seems yucky, it serves a purpose. Your ear canal makes earwax to protect the ear. After it is produced, it slowly makes its way to the opening of the ear. Then it either falls out or is removed when you wash. If you want, you can clean the opening of your ear gently with a washcloth.

When the Kid Is Ill: Otitis

Earache is a common symptom in kids. It can easily be treated by correctly prescribed antibiotics. Here are some tips to help cure and prevent otitis given by a French pediatrician Dr Martine François.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
The first sign is earache which is often followed by fever (38.5 - 39 °C). Sometimes the child moans and lacks appetite. He or she can cry at night.
Each time the disease restarts, the same symptoms appear. Thus a mom can easily determine what happens to the kid and take quick action to prevent it. So, coming to the doctor for a consultation she states that her child suffers from otitis.
At what age are children most vulnerable to otitis?
My experience shows that most often babies over 1 month and under 2 years are affected by the disease, but it also rather common in all ages. It is nit a surprise to see a 5-year-old suffering from otitis.
55 % of those fallen ill are boys.
Can the earache be prevented?