Grommet Surgery: Three Important Precautions for Your Child's Recovery
If your child has been diagnosed with a middle ear infection with effusion, you should discuss grommet surgery with your specialist. In general, children are more susceptible to otitis media, and this condition often comes with the accumulation of a glue-like fluid. In most cases, this glue ear will clear up without complications. However, if the disease persists or recurs, it can cause hearing loss and subsequent developmental complications such as language or speech impairment. Grommets are small tubes designed to allow the elimination of fluid. The devices will also equalise the pressure across the eardrum by allowing airflow. This ENT procedure is short and simple, and the probability of complications is minimal. Your child will be placed under general anaesthesia, but they will leave the hospital after the surgery. Still, you must be cautious during the recovery process to ensure proper healing. Here are crucial tips to keep in mind for the grommet procedure.
Monitor the Ears
Keep an eye on your child's ears after the grommet surgery in case of abnormalities. The procedure is minimally invasive, but the placement of the tubes requires the perforation of the tympanic membrane. Therefore, the ears might bleed or produce pus for a few days after the surgery. Do not attempt to clean the ear canal because you could cause damage to the eardrum. Clean the external parts of the ear, and contact your specialist if the symptoms persist. Also, monitor for fever which could indicate an infection.
Use the Medicine
Children might experience significant pain during the recovery period after the grommet surgery. The discomfort is manageable using over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol. Read the instructions for usage with care and follow the dosage guidelines before administering the medication. If the painkillers do not bring relief, consult your ENT surgeon. Antibiotic ear drops are commonly prescribed to manage existing or potential infections after the procedure. Use the medicine as indicated to prevent bacterial complications. Children are resistant to the administration of eardrops, so monitor the process to ensure compliance.
Avoid Water Ingress
Finally, prevent the flow of water into the ears after the grommet surgery. Allow the eardrums to heal completely and get clearance from the doctor before indiscriminate exposure to water. Maintain caution while your child is bathing or showering. You can place a cotton ball with petroleum jelly over the ears to keep moisture out. Also, do not let your child swim before getting approval after a follow-up appointment from the ENT specialist.
If you think your child may need child grommets surgery, contact a medical professional in your area.
Share
