Children's Services

Commonly Heard Terms

OUTER EAR ACHE

Otitis externa or outer ear infection is characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the external ear canals and can be caused by bacteria. Outer ear infection, more commonly known as "swimmers" ear, is frequently seen in children who swim.

Symptoms of outer ear infection include redness, swelling in the ear canal, itching and pain, and some hearing loss. Pain can be treated with acetaminophen.

Ear pain and hearing loss should always be investigated by a doctor. Take your child to a physician as soon as you suspect an ear infection. It is often necessary to treat the infection with antibiotic ear drops.

OXYGEN

The air around us contains 21% oxygen. If a baby should require more than 21%, he/she may be given oxygen in one of the following ways.

• By increasing the oxygen level in the isolette
• By placing a clear box (oxygen hood) over the baby's head and increasing the oxygen inside the box
• By nasal prongs
• Via a ventilator (a machine that breathes for the baby)

Extra humidity may be provided in the isolette to help loosen mucus in the baby's lungs.

OXYGEN MONITOR (O2 SATURATION)

A device that wraps around the baby's hand or foot and uses a light sensor to determine that amount of oxygen in the blood