Here's Why Ear Infections Are So Prevalent in Young Children
Approximately five out of six kids have at least one ear infection before they are old enough to start preschool. Many kids have more than one. This makes it one of the most common ailments in young children. Although ear infections are not contagious, they often occur after a child has a contagious illness, such as a cold, the flu or Covid-19.
Why are young children more likely to get ear infections?
We all have eustachian tubes connecting the back of the nose and throat to the middle ear. Children's eustachian tubes are very small and may be horizontal, which makes it difficult for them to drain. When this happens, fluid and bacteria get trapped and may build up, resulting in an infection. This can occur when a child has an illness, such as a cold, but kids don't need to be sick to get an ear infection.
Can I treat my child's ear infection at home?
Although ear infections can be painful, they often clear up on their own without any treatment. An over-the-counter pain reliever can help ease discomfort. A hot or cold compress placed on the ear may also help. Treatment is focused on making the child feel more comfortable while the infection runs its course.
When should I take my child to the doctor for an ear infection?
If your child's symptoms get worse after a few days, the pain is severe or they are running a high fever, it's time to take your child to the pediatrician or an urgent care center. Antibiotics may be recommended for some ear infections, but if your child gets ear infections often, repeatedly using antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and gut health issues so they are not always the first line of treatment.
Doctors may recommend that your child get ear tubes if they frequently have ear infections (three or more in 6 months or four or more in 12 months). These are tiny plastic tubes that are inserted into the eardrum to help fluid drain and improve airflow. This lessens the risk of ear infections.
What is the best way to prevent ear infections?
The best way to protect your child from getting an ear infection is to take steps to protect them from getting contagious illnesses like the cold, flu and Covid-19. This includes:
- Proper handwashing – Kids aren't usually the best at washing their hands often or long enough, but try to get them in the habit of keeping hands clean as much as possible.
- Avoid sick people – This is hard to do if your child is in daycare or school, but do your best to keep them away from people who are noticeably sick.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations – Kids who get sick less often tend to get fewer ear infections. By vaccinating your child against illnesses like the flu and Covid-19, they're less likely to get sick.
- Feed children in an upright position – If your young child is prone to ear infections, feed them in a sitting position. This makes it less likely fluid will flow into the middle ear, which can cause an infection.
The good news is that most children outgrow frequent ear infections by the time they're five years old as their eustachian tubes enlarge and their immune system gets stronger.
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Date Last Reviewed: December 19, 2024
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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