Infections of the middle ear are also called otitis media. They are a common problem during childhood. Three in 4 children have at least one middle ear infection by the time they turn 3. How much do you know about this illness? Take this quiz.
1. An ear infection usually begins with a cold.
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Otitis media often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other breathing problems spread to the middle ear. Babies in particular may have general symptoms when the infection starts. These symptoms include fever, fussiness, refusal to eat, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Otitis media usually affects just babies and young children.
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But this illness can also affect adults. Children are more likely to get a middle ear infection because their immune system is still developing. A child's eustachian tubes are shorter and straighter than in an adult.
3. The ear's eustachian tube is the main part of the ear affected in otitis media.
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The eustachian tube is usually closed. But it opens regularly to allow air into the middle ear. This tube also equalizes air pressure in the middle ear. A eustachian tube that is blocked by swelling of its lining or plugged with mucus from a cold or for some other reason can't open. The lack of fresh air may allow fluid from the tissue that lines the middle ear to collect. If the eustachian tube stays plugged, the fluid can't drain. It begins to collect in the normally air-filled middle ear.
4. The adenoids also play a role in otitis media.
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The adenoids in children are larger than they are in adults. Adenoids are made up mostly of cells (lymphocytes) that help fight infections. They are at the back of the nose, near the eustachian tubes. Enlarged adenoids can keep the eustachian tube from opening. Adenoids may also become infected. This infection may spread into the eustachian tubes.
5. Earache and fever are 2 symptoms of otitis media.
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Children with otitis media can be in a lot of pain. This can cause them to be more irritable than normal. They may cry and tug or pull at one or both ears. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, loss of balance, and fluid draining from the ear. The child may not respond to quiet sounds.
6. Children who live in homes where there is cigarette smoke are more likely to get otitis media.
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Also, children who attend day care are more likely to get the illness. And babies who are given a bottle while they lie down are also at risk. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke to help prevent otitis media. Other tips include:
Teach your children when and how to wash their hands.
Keep your children up to date on their vaccines. This includes getting a flu shot every year.
Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Hold your baby while they are drinking from a bottle.
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Updated:
November 18, 2020
Sources:
Acute Otitis Media in Children: Epidemiology, Microbiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Complications. UptoDate., Created for Vitality magazine