Over 50? Keeping Up With Your Healthcare Needs

Why Do Young Children Get Ear Infections Easily?

2 January 2016

Nellie Ryan

If you're a parent of a young child, you may have noticed that children are particularly susceptible to ear infection. Knowing why children get ear infections and what you can do about it can help you take care of your child and keep your child comfortable.

Why do young children get ear infections easily?

Children get ear infections easily because of the anatomy of their ears. In the space behind the ear drums, there is an area known as the middle ear. The middle ear contains a small amount of fluid. The tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat, known as the eustachian tube, helps to equalize pressure in the ear. The eustachian tube drains fluids as necessary. In adults, the eustachian tube is angled downward to allow for easy drainage. However, in children, the eustachian tube is more horizontal, making drainage more difficult. This means that bacteria is more likely to get trapped in the space behind the tube, leading to infection.

What can you do to stop your child from getting ear infections?

Some ear infections are unavoidable. However, there are certain risk factors that can make your child more likely to get an ear infection. You can help protect your child from ear infections by reducing his or her risk factors. Some of the risk factors include:

• Exposure to smoke. Reducing your child's exposure to second-hand smoke can reduce his or her chances of getting an ear infection.
• Pacifier use. Children who use a pacifier are more likely to get ear infections than those who don't. To help stop this problem, wean your child off of the pacifier.
• Sippy cup use while lying on the back. Children who use sippy cups while lying on their backs are more likely to get ear infections than those who don't. If your child frequently gets ear infections, switch to a non-sippy form of cup and stop your child from drinking while lying on his or her back.

What are ear tubes and how can you tell if your child needs tubes put in his or her ears?

Some children who get frequent ear infections have tubes put in their ears. These tubes open up the ear drum so fluid can drain more easily from the tiny canal. Pediatricians recommend tubes on an as-needed basis, so if you're wondering whether or not your child needs tubes, talk to your child's pediatrician. Your child's doctor can tell you if tubes are necessary.

For more information about how you can protect your child from ear infections, make an appointment with your child's doctor today. To find out more, speak with someone like Pediatric And Young Adult Medicine.

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