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Is your kid crying more than usual, pulling their ears, having trouble sleeping, losing their balance, and presenting difficulty responding to sounds? They could be experiencing an ear infection—one of the most common ailments among children.
In fact, by age of three, 50% to 85% of children will have experienced an episode of acute otitis media, usually known as an ear infection. While most go away on their own and do not leave consequences, frequent and untreated infections could lead to permanent hearing damage.
But why are our little ones so prone to ear infections? Our team of experts at Katy Pediatric Associates has compiled a list of the main causes that lead to ear infections in children, as well as general guidelines for their care and treatment.
Common Causes of Ear Infections in Children
Developing Bodies
The main reason children tend to suffer more frequently from ear infections than adults is because their immune systems are still adapting to their environments and particular risks.
Humans need certain amounts of time to get biologically adapted and develop barriers against pathogens. In the meantime, ears can react to lower exposure levels and cause infections.
Additionally, the size and shape of certain body parts makes children more susceptible to ear infections, which can be linked to:
- Drainage issues. Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose, help with pressure equalizing, and act as an ear fluid drainage route. In children, these tubes are much smaller and more horizontal, which makes proper drainage.
- Adenoid complications. Next to the eustachian tube openings behind the nose, you will find the adenoids. When they get swollen due to infections, allergies, irritation, etc, they also block regular drainage and lead to bacterial development in the middle ear.
Upper Respiratory Issues
Frequent colds, flue episodes, and allergies can cause inflammation, swelling, and mucus buildup in the eustachian tubes. When this happens, you might experience:
- Fluid accumulation in the middle ear that fosters bacteria
- Pressure imbalance
- Blockages that prevent proper drainage
Germs Exposure in Daycare or School
The moment kids start attending daycare or school, they tend to become sick more frequently. This stage is rather normal, as bacteria and viruses behave differently in group settings and can lead to different illnesses and conditions, including ear infections.
Excessive Pacifier Use
We can talk about prolonged pacifier use when the child still uses it past the age of three years old, or when they use it throughout the whole day. This can lead to increased bacteria in the mouth and throat, which can end up contributing to ear infections.
Ear Infection Complications
If an ear infection goes untreated it can lead to:
- Temporary or long-term hearing loss
- Speech and language delays due to hearing problems
- Spread of infection
- Recurrent ear infection episodes
Treating Ear Infections
When you get your child to our consultation, one of our pediatricians will conduct a physical assessment and diagnose the issue. Depending on several factors such as age, medical history, and severity of the infection, they will recommend some of the following:
- Observation, as many mild infections go away on their own
- Pain management techniques or medication
- Antibiotics is a bacterial infection is confirmed or symptoms persist
- Ear tubes for chronic infection, as they help with fluid drainage
Your Pediatric Team in Houston, Texas
Understanding how susceptible children can be to ear infections is essential for implementing the right prevention strategies and seeking prompt help if any symptoms were to arise.
Our team at Katy Pediatric Associates understands how crucial and important your kid’s health is, and we are determined to not only help in their healing, but also be a source of calm and knowledge.
If you suspect your child might be suffering from an ear infection, you can schedule a consultation with Katy Pediatric Associates by calling 281-492-7676 or contacting us online.