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What Are the Causes of Ear Infection in Children?

A middle ear infection is a common illness in babies and young children and is easily treated with antibiotics. Knowing the causes might help you prevent more frequent infections in your child.

  1. Viral Infection

    • Ear infections frequently follow a viral infection such as a common cold. The lining of your child's middle ear swells from the infection, allowing fluid to accumulate behind the eardrum.

    Obstruction

    • An ear infection might be the result of an obstruction from swelling in the eustachian tubes, which connect the nose to the middle ear. Fluid can become trapped in the middle ear and cause an infection.

    Adenoids

    • If your child's adenoids become infected they can swell, placing pressure on the eustachian tubes and allowing fluid to collect in the middle ear.

    Immune System

    • Because the immune system in young children has not fully developed, it makes them more susceptible to illnesses and infections.

    Risk Factors

    • Children who are at an increased risk of ear infections include those between 6 and 18 months of age, those in group day care and babies who are fed a bottle while lying down, which can allow milk to flow back into the inner ear, according to the National Network for Child Care. Exposure to cigarette smoke or high levels of air pollution can also increase your child's risk of ear infections.

    Considerations

    • Ear infections can result in short- or long-term hearing loss, and possibly a ruptured eardrum, particularly if left untreated. It is important to seek medical treatment promptly.

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