Risk factors of otitis media in infants
OverviewAn ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Show
Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications. SymptomsThe onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. ChildrenSigns and symptoms common in children include:
AdultsCommon signs and symptoms in adults include:
When to see a doctorSigns and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate several conditions. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Call your child's doctor if:
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this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesAn ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. Role of eustachian tubesThe eustachian tubes are a pair of narrow tubes that run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat, behind the nasal passages. The throat end of the tubes open and close to:
Swollen eustachian tubes can become blocked, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear. This fluid can become infected and cause the symptoms of an ear infection. In children, the eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal, which makes them more difficult to drain and more likely to get clogged. Role of adenoidsAdenoids are two small pads of tissues high in the back of the nose believed to play a role in immune system activity. Because adenoids are near the opening of the eustachian tubes, swelling of the adenoids may block the tubes. This can lead to middle ear infection. Swelling and irritation of adenoids is more likely to play a role in ear infections in children because children have relatively larger adenoids compared to adults. Related conditionsConditions of the middle ear that may be related to an ear infection or result in similar middle ear problems include:
Risk factorsRisk factors for ear infections include:
ComplicationsMost ear infections don't cause long-term complications. Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications:
PreventionThe following tips may reduce the risk of developing ear infections:
What is the most prevalent risk factor for otitis media in children?According to Table 3, the first risk factor that has the greatest impact on the incidence of otitis media is allergic rhinitis, such that children with allergic rhinitis are 5.20 times more likely to develop otitis media.
What is the most common cause of otitis media in infants?Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. Most of the time, it is caused by bacteria that nearly all children have in their nose and throat at one time or another. Ear infections most often develop after a viral respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or the flu.
What are factors that increase risk of ear infections in children?Other things that may raise the risk are: Ear infections may run in families. A child may have a higher risk if other people in their family have had them. Ear infections may happen after a cold or other virus leads to an upper respiratory infection.
Who is most at risk for otitis media?Although acute otitis media can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen between the ages of 6 to 24 months. Approximately 80% of all children will experience a case of otitis media during their lifetime, and between 80% and 90% of all children will have otitis media with an effusion before school age.
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