Middle Ear Infection Causes

A middle ear infection occurs in the middle part of the ear, behind the eardrum. It is common in children but can affect people of all ages. It usually develops in children after the child has had the flu or a cold and it is one of the most common illnesses treated by a pediatrician. There are several different things that can cause a middle ear infection.

Allergies

• When people are exposed to an allergen like animal hair or pollen it can cause allergic rhinintis. Allergic rhinintis can cause the itching, runny nose and sneezing some people might experience. Allergies, like hay fever, can increase the chance of getting acute otitis media because it causes the nasal passages to become congested and inflamed.

Bacteria and/or Viruses

• Haemophilus influenzae is one of the most common bacterias that can cause a middle ear infection. This bacteria is associated with respiratory infections in kids. There is also a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and the less common bacterias are Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis and Streptococcus pyogenes.
  Viruses that can cause middle ear infections include viruses that are responsible for lower respiratory infections called respiratory syncytial virus. Influenza viruses also play a role in middle ear infections by causing a stuffy nose and inflammation of the nasal passages. Rhinovirus has been found in otitis media cases in 1 to 8 percent of middle ear infections.

Other Causes

• There are other miscellaneous things that cause middle ear infections. Other detrimental factors include being around second-hand smoke, formula-feeding, pacifiers, child's position during feeding them a bottle, and being around other children who have a respiratory infection.

Prevention

• You can't completely prevent an ear infection, but there are certain things you can do to help. You can give your family plenty of vegetables and fruit, get plenty of rest, wash your hands, try to reduce stress and try not to be around someone who smokes.

Treatment

• There are several different treatments for a middle ear infection. The most common treatment is antibiotics, which can treat a current ear infection or prevent and treat a reoccurring ear infection. Since ear infections can be very painful you can also request some pain relievers to help with the excruciating pain. There is also some over-the-counter medications you can give to a child like Tylenol. You can also rest your head on a heating pad that is on low setting. Do not fall asleep on the heating pad because it can cause burns. Lastly, you can buy some over-the-counter ear drops or go to your doctor and have them prescribe you some stronger ear drops that will help.