Ear infections are one of the most common pediatric ailments, with more than 15 million office visits per year in the US. About half of all infants less than a year old will have at least one ear infection by their first birthday, according to SIU School of Medicine’s ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Leonard Rybak.
“In children, the function of the Eustachian tube is not developed yet, especially in the first year of life,” explains Dr. Rybak. The Eustachian tube, which runs from the back of the nose to the space behind the ear drum, helps to equalize the air behind the ear drum. That’s why, Dr. Rybak says, children and airplanes don’t mix. “Often times, you will see kids crying during the descent of an airplane — they can’t equalize the pressure, and this becomes worse if there’s a viral infection like a cold or upper respiratory infection.”
Determining whether younger children have an ear infection can be a challenge. Dr. Ryback warns parents to be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
● Fever
● Pulling on the ear
● Fussiness and irritability
● Reduced appetite
● Disturbed sleep
In severe cases in which the eardrum ruptures, drainage will be coming out of the ear.
The good news for parents is there are ways to prevent ear infections from occurring.
“One way to prevent ear infections is the influenza vaccine,” explains Dr. Rybak. “Also, there are certain bacterial vaccines against pnemococus, the bug that causes sinus and ear infections.”
Another way parents can prevent bothersome ear infections is to be aware of the risk factors. According to Dr. Rybak, “Kids in daycare have a marked increased incidence in infections because they are spreading colds from one to another and they are spreading bacteria around.”
Smoking is also a risk factor. “If the parents smoke in the house, or even if they smoke outdoors, the smoke gets on their clothing and causes an irritation of the nose.”
If your child is especially prone to ear infections, ear tubes, placed in the ear through a small surgical incision, may be an option.
– Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine