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Ear Infections

How to Spot and Treat a Common Infant Ailment

By Amy Carey Bowman

One reason infants and young children may experience recurrent ear infections is the structure of the ear itself. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nose and throat, is oriented more horizontally than vertically in the ears of children, making fluid drainage more difficult. If fluid cannot drain, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Additionally, babies are less able than adults to fight off infections because their immune systems are still in development.

Before you abandon hope that your child can avoid recurrent ear infections, try to prevent them by following a few simple rules.

One is to "limit daycare exposure if possible," suggests Dr. Lori Bowers, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of South Florida. Children in close quarters day after day tend to introduce bacteria and viruses to each other, causing repeated infections.

Another preventative measure: Don't smoke or allow your children to spend time around smokers. And, just as importantly, breastfeed as long as possible. Breastfed babies receive protective antibodies that reduce the chances of getting colds and subsequent ear infections. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, formula-fed infants experienced a "two-fold elevated risk of first episodes of [ear infections] compared with infants exclusively breastfed for six months."

Studies have also shown that use of certain vaccines may help prevent ear infections. "The new pneumococcal vaccine (in the United States, it is marketed under the name Prevnar) was shown in a recent study to reduce the incidence of ear infections caused by the bacteria pneumococcus," says Dr. Weathers.

Want to see more?

• A Prescription Primer: A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications for Children
• When to Call the Doctor
• Down the Hatch
• http://babiestoday.com/resources/articles/downhatch.htm

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