Thymus Gland in Children With Ear Infections

Ear infections account for more than half of pediatrician visits in the United States, and chronic ear infections afflict two-thirds of children under 6. Though many children suffer with ear infections, children who have a thymus gland disorder are likely to be more susceptible to them and a variety of other illnesses. Though ear infections can be troublesome, options exist, even for children struggling with chronic infections.

Identification

• A soft organ located under the breastbone, the thymus gland is relatively large in a newborn, and as a child grows, so does the thymus. Around puberty, however, the thymus decreases in size and eventually blends in with surrounding tissue.

Effects

• In the 1960s, scientists discovered that the thymus gland is necessary for processing cells that fight foreign organisms and boost immunity. According to the Mayo Clinic, this gland produces disease-fighting antibodies. If the thymus is removed or doesn't grow properly, an infant or child's immune system won't properly develop, thus leaving him or her susceptible to a wide variety of ailments. For example, the thymus gland of children who have DiGeorge's syndrome may be small or even missing. This can make the child more prone to infections, including ear infections. Children with other conditions of the thymus gland might also be more prone to ear infections as well.

Potential

• Parents of children with thymus conditions should be mindful of the potential for ear infections, because their child's immune system might not be fully developed. James F. Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures," say to watch for pain in the ears, fever, pus from the ear, nausea, vomiting, hearing difficulty and pressure or a feeling of fullness in the child's ear. In addition, ear infections are particularly common after another illness, such as a cold or flu. Infections are also more common during the winter months.

Types

• Balch and Stengler recognize two types of ear infections: acute and chronic. Acute ear infections happen after an illness, while chronic ear infections occur because a child might be more inclined to infections. A child who has chronic ear infections is afflicted more often than others, particularly because his or her eustachian tube---which drains fluid from the ear---is more horizontal than an adult's. As a result, it doesn't drain as effectively. Children who also have a suppressed immune system because of a thymus gland condition are even more prone to chronic ear infections.

Treatment

• Children who experience ear infections because of a suppressed immune system have a variety of treatment options. Generally, a doctor will prescribe one of several antibiotics available to treat the bacteria present. However, chronic ear infections could also lead to excess amounts of fluid inside a child's ear. This condition should be treated by a specialist or surgeon.