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Ear Infection
 

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Ear Infections

It is very common condition that causes parents visits clinics and health institutions to have themselves and their children checked up for ear problems. Ear infections are very common in children. Almost every child is likely to have suffered a certain type of ear infection by the age of 3.

In good terms, ear infection or inflammation refers to damage that occurs when the eternal, middle or inner part of the ear is invaded by bacteria or viruses.

About 9,450,000 people in the US visits their physician's office for earache or some form of ear infection each year. Ear infections are more common in boys than in girls, and in children whose families suffers more from ear infections.

 
Types of ear infection
 

Two common types of ear infections:

There are other several ear disorders that we will soon have a look at. These include the following:
Why is otitis media more prevalent in children?
 

The answer to this question could be the reason otitis media is also called children's ear infections. However, understanding why it is still a problem to parents. A study shows that there are several reasons for the prevalence of otitis media in children:

  • Children under the 7 of age hardly fight infections as their immune system is still developing.
  • A child's Eustachian tube is more prone to blockage, due to its narrowness.
  • A child's tube is shorter than that of an adult which allows bacteria to invade their middle ear more easily.
  • Kids' adenoids (structures located near the Eustachian tubes in the back of the upper throat) are large and often interfere with the opening of the Eustachian tube.

Several other factors that play a big role in children getting ear infection are as follows:

  • Bottle-feeding
  • Poor day-care attendance
  • Allergies
  • Tobacco smoke

In winter season, when colds and nasal disorders are most frequent, ear infections are also more prevalent.
 
Symptoms of an ear infection
 

In most cases, ear infections are associated with colds, flu and allergies. There are several conditions that signify ear infections. These include:

  • Severe ear pain
  • Dizziness (not common)
  • Ear discharge
  • Fever
  • Sickness (usually in children)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of balance
  • Reduced hearing