DR. LEONARD RYBAK: Chronic middle ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses that bring children to see a physician.
Ear infections also are one of the most common causes of hearing loss in children. These infections are very prevalent among young children, especially those who are exposed to other children in daycare.
Nearly two-thirds of children in the U.S. will have one episode of middle ear infection by their first birthday. Three out of four children will have this infection by age three.
An ear infection is often caused by a respiratory infection or cold that forces bacteria to go up through the back of the nose to the middle ear. This can occur in one or both ears. It is important that parents seek treatment for their children as soon as possible because the infection can spread throughout the head.
Many children develop ear infections before they learn to talk, so it can be difficult to determine when they have a problem. In addition to a severe earache, other symptoms include fever, irritability, pulling at the ears, and awakening and crying during the night. If the eardrum ruptures, there will be liquids that will drain, which is pus that results from the infection.
The primary treatment for children is antibiotics to clear up the infection. The same bacterium that causes pneumonia can also cause ear infections so getting a vaccination against pneumonia may help prevent ear infections.
If a child has had more than six infections in one year or if they have persistent fluid behind the eardrum as a result of ear infections, surgery is sometimes necessary. The fluid can interfere with a child's hearing and may delay speech development. A child's balance system also can be affected by an ear infection.
If a child is having trouble hearing or is having repeated ear infections, surgery is scheduled. The fluid is drained by making a tiny opening in the eardrum and inserting a tube with a hollow center. That allows air to enter into the middle ear space so the fluid will not build up.
The ear tubes are usually left in place until they fall out on their own or the physician decides that the tubes should be removed. Sometimes another set of tubes may need to be placed in the child's ears.
Dr. Leonard Rybak, Ph.D., is professor of otolaryngology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
More information
KIDS HEALTH: A close look at the ear
MAYOCLINIC: Ear infection
CLEVELAND CLINIC: Childhood ear infection
