Five Common Causes of Ear Infection in Children

Five common causes of ear infection result in blockage of fluid drainage from the ear, allowing bacteria or viruses to thrive. Frequency of ear infection in children can be avoided by limiting or removing these common causes. Antibiotic treatment is not always necessary.

Enlarged or Infected Adenoids

Enlarged or infected adenoids are common causes of ear infection. Adenoids are collections of tissue that help fight infection. They are located where the nasal sinuses connect with the throat, near the ear's Eustachian tubes. When the adenoids become infected, they become enlarged and can block the Eustachian tubes, causing a buildup of fluid. The fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses and an ear infection can result.

Allergies

When a child encounters something that he is allergic to, the immune system causes mast cells to release histamine and other chemicals that cause an inflammatory response. Swelling in the sinuses from allergies can also cause blocked Eustachian tubes and a buildup of fluid in the ear, resulting in infection.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper respiratory infections are among the common causes of ear infection. They cause the lining of the Eustachian tube to swell so that the tubes become blocked and fluid builds up. Just as with allergies or enlarged adenoids, upper respiratory infection sets up conditions that encourage bacterial or viral growth resulting in ear infection.

Tobacco Smoke

Researchers have found a connection between secondhand smoke and ear infection in children. Tobacco smoke is a common cause of infection. Infants are 85% more likely to develop ear infection when exposed to smoking. Infants and young children are at special risk because they are powerless to move away from the smoke, they inhale more air so they get a larger dose of smoke, and their immune systems are immature. Since swelling in the sinuses from exposure to smoke causes conditions that block fluid drainage, ear infection can occur.

Teething

Teething is a common cause of ear infection, but so is any condition that causes excess mucus and saliva. Excess mucus and saliva cause blocked Eustachian tubes and encourage ear infection.

Summary

The Eustachian tube connects the back of the throat and the middle ear. It usually facilitates drainage of fluid away from the ear, but these five common causes of ear infection can block drainage. When fluid builds up in the ear, bacterial and viral ear infections occur more easily. Keep a child's environment clean and allergen free. Avoid exposing a child to tobacco smoke. Wash your hands and the child's hands frequently. Follow your doctor's advice about treating the discomfort of ear infection and don't insist on an antibiotic. Antibiotics do nothing for a viral ear infection and doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for every bacterial ear infection in children older than two years as most will get better on their own.

Disclaimer: This article about common causes of ear infection is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor. I am not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting the the use or misuse of information contained in or implied by the article. This information is in no way intended as a recommendation of any therapy and is not intended as a diagnosis of any problem your child may have.

Sources:

Diana Kohnle. Health Tip: Why People Get Ear Infections. MedlinePlus.

No author given. Adenoids. Better Health Channel.

No author given. Ear Infections-Cause. WebMd.

No author given. Ear Infections-What Happens. WebMd.

No author given. Smoking and Ear Infection in Children. YGOY (Smoking Cessation).