Babies With Frequent Ear Infections

Ear infections occur in babies because bacteria and fluids are easily trapped in the immature eustachian tube. Some babies are prone to frequent or repeated ear infections, which can have long-term effects if not treated properly.

Causes

• The eustachian tube located in the ear is short and not developed in children. Germs and bacteria fall into this tube more easily for a child than for an adult. When a child has a cold, bacteria grows from the trapped mucus. Other causes can include drinking a bottle at night, second-hand smoke and being at a child care center. Since the ear, nose and throat are connected, this can turn into an ear infection.

Considerations

• According to Baby Center, a baby with multiple or frequent ear infections has usually had the same infection that can not be cured with antibiotics. The continuous fluid in the babies ears may make him a good candidate for ear tubes.

Treatment

• Ear tubes are also known as tympanostomy and is stated by Baby Center to be the most common surgery done in North America on children under 4 years of age. Small tubes are placed in the eardrums during the surgery, which will allow the area to properly ventilate. The ear tubes also help to balance pressure in the middle ear.

Time Frame

• According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, ear tubes can be a short-term or long-term solution, depending on the severity of the infections. Short-term tubes normally stay in the ear for six months to one year and fall out on their own. Long-term ones stay in longer than a year and are normality removed by a medical professional.

Warning

• According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, babies with frequent ear infections are at risk for hearing loss, speech delay and balance problems if not treated. Sometimes doctors will recommend removing the adenoid tissue in the ear as it helps prevent more ear infections when combined with ear tubes.