What Makes Children More Susceptible to Ear Infections?

If it seems like you’re taking your kids to the doctor more for ear infections than any other complaint, it’s because you are. Ear infections, medically called otitis media, are the No. 1 reason why children see a primary caregiver. Five of every six kids will have at least one ear infection before they turn 3 years old.

Middle ear infections can clear up on their own, but one of the reasons children have more frequent infections is their ears don’t easily drain naturally, and that prevents spontaneous healing. That’s one reason why this common condition can need medical attention when it occurs.

Types of ear infection

Not all middle ear infections are the same. The most common type is the acute otitis media (AOM) form, accompanied by an earache due to infection, swelling and trapped fluid behind the eardrum. 

The second type shows evidence of retained fluid, even after the infection is over. This may not present any symptoms, but a doctor can detect this fluid. Called otitis media with effusion (OME), it forms the third type of ear infection when it persists. Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) may lead to even more frequent ear infections and could result in hearing loss.

Causes of ear infection

Bacteria are the usual culprits behind ear infections, arriving at the middle ear by way of the eustachian tubes, often when another illness is present, such as a sore throat, common cold, or respiratory infection. 

If these infections are bacterial, those same bacteria can cause the earache. Viral illnesses create bacteria-friendly conditions in the middle ear, creating secondary infections.

Additional challenges for children

The eustachian tubes of children are naturally smaller, as the child is still growing, and the tubes are more level than they will be when the child reaches maturity. These factors mean that it’s more likely that your child’s ears can be blocked during infections. 

This makes the middle ear a haven for infection-causing bacteria, while blocking the drainage route needed for the infection to clear naturally.

There’s also a genetic connection that makes some children more susceptible to ear infections than others. Researchers discovered that identical twins had more incidents of ear infections than fraternal twins. Assuming similar contact between siblings, this suggests that there are genetic factors that predispose some people toward ear infections.

Avoiding ear infections

You can take some steps to reduce your child’s risk of ear infections. Following some or all of these tips could keep bacteria at bay, keeping your child’s ear clear and pain-free.

When ear infections become frequent or chronic, it’s time to consult the pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialists at Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates. Contact the most convenient office by phone today or send a message on the website to arrange an appointment. Help break the ear infection cycle for your child. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Do I Lose My Voice Easily?

Losing your voice can be a disconcerting feeling, when you open your mouth and nothing comes out except a breathy rasp of a sound that barely carries your words. Chronic or recurrent dysphonia points to problems other than respiratory infections.

How Do I Know if My Thyroid Isn't Functioning Properly?

Problems with the thyroid gland start when it either over- or under-produces its native hormones. The resulting symptoms depend on which side of the disorder you experience. However, it’s sometimes hard to trace symptoms back to the thyroid.

Signs of Skin Cancer

While skin cancers can develop virtually anywhere on your body, those on your face and neck may be the most visible, and since these areas commonly receive sun exposure, they may be more vulnerable to the changes caused by ultraviolet light.

What You May Not Know About Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids once meant a bulky box worn on a belt connected to an earphone. Today, tiny devices fit in or behind your ears that connect wirelessly to smartphones and sound systems. There’s lots you may not know about today’s hearing aids.

Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

It’s common at some point through the winter to deal with sinusitis and its symptoms of runny nose, postnasal drip, and congestion. It’s common, that is, when it goes away in 7-10 days. When it lasts three months or more, it’s chronic sinusitis.

Help! My Child Keeps Getting Ear Infections

Ear infections sometimes seem like a constant companion through childhood. It’s true that kids suffer from more middle ear infections than adults, some that require medical attention. Here’s what you need to know to help your child through the cycle.