11 Apr Why Does My Child Get Recurring Ear Infections?
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents bring their little ones to the pediatrician’s office. However, while ear infections are common, it doesn’t mean they aren’t painful.
While some children may get the occasional ear infection from time to time, there are others who struggle with recurring ear infections. When an ear infection lasts a long time or comes and goes, it is considered a chronic ear infection. However, the thing to remember is that chronic ear infections are serious and can cause permanent damage to the ear or hearing loss.
These can be frustrating and disruptive for kids and parents alike. Ear infections can happen at any time but are most common among kids ages 2 to 4. If your child is struggling with regular ear infections, you may be wondering why they are so prone to these issues.
There can be a number of causes for chronic ear infections in children. The most common cause of recurring ear infections is a buildup of fluid and mucus behind the eardrum. This typically means that the fluid isn’t draining properly through the ear’s Eustachian tube.
This tube connects the upper throat to the middle ear and sometimes in children it is so small that it can’t drain fluid properly. This can be problematic since children’s immune systems are not as developed as adult immune systems. This makes it harder for children to fight off infections like this.
What Can You Do as a Parent to Combat Chronic Ear Infections?
There are a few small things that parents can start doing now to lessen their child’s chances of developing chronic ear infections.
- Make sure your child is sitting up when drinking from a bottle or sippy cup.
- If the infection is caused by a hole in the eardrum, avoid swimming and try to prevent water from entering the eardrum by using cotton balls during showers or baths.
- Make sure your child isn’t exposed to air pollution or second-hand smoke.
- If your child is still breastfeeding while experiencing ear infections, continue breastfeeding for as long as possible.
The good news is, if your child is diagnosed with chronic ear infections, there are several treatment options available, including drops and medications. In more serious cases certain surgeries or ear tubes may be used to help alleviate the pain.
However, in order to help your child get rid of the pain associated with chronic ear infections, you need to go to a doctor first for a diagnosis. A pediatrician will be able to diagnose the cause of your child’s ear infections so you can discuss a range of treatment options.
If you have more questions about recurring ear infections and want to know what you can do to treat or prevent these infections, then contact the experts at Continuum Pediatrics today. You can schedule an appointment with us directly at 817-617-8600.