Why Ear Infections Are So Common
An ear infection is nothing more than an inflammation or infection of the ear.
Yet, this can be a very painful condition and can lead to a tear in the eardrum if not treated.
Ear infections often begin with an infection in another part of the body which then spreads to the inside ear.
This may be viral in nature or it may be bacterial, but it has been shown that 75% of children have at least one ear infection by the age of three.
In fact, almost half of all children have three or more infections of this type by their third birthday.
Because this condition is so widespread, it is helpful to know what causes ear infections.
Although adults can suffer from an ear infection, children are much more likely to have one because their immune systems are not fully developed.
Combine this with the fact that the Eustachian tube is much shorter and straighter in a child than in an adult and problems arise which lead to inflammation of the middle ear.
The Eustachian tube is usually closed in both adults and children, but opens regularly to replenish and/or ventilate air within the middle ear.
This equalizes middle ear air pressure in response to changes in the environment.
When the Eustachian tube becomes blocks, say with mucus from a cold, it cannot open to ventilate the middle ear.
When this happens, fluid may accumulate in the air.
Fluid then builds up in the middle ear making it the perfect breeding ground for in infection.
Also, the adenoids in children are larger than they are in adults.
The adenoids contain a great deal of cells that fight off infection.
Yet, the size of the adenoids may prevent the Eustachian tube from opening properly.
This can lead to infection which then spreads into the middle ear.
When bacteria reaches the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, a number of things happen.
First, white cells accumulate in the area to fight off the bacteria.
Once the bacteria is killed, the white cells die off.
This can lead to the formation of pus.
When pus is present in the ear, the eardrum and middle ear bones cannot move properly.
Signs of infection begin and severe pain may result.
If not treated, this pus can put pressure on the eardrum, possibly tearing it and leading to further issues.
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, a trip to the doctor is recommended.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Yet, this can be a very painful condition and can lead to a tear in the eardrum if not treated.
Ear infections often begin with an infection in another part of the body which then spreads to the inside ear.
This may be viral in nature or it may be bacterial, but it has been shown that 75% of children have at least one ear infection by the age of three.
In fact, almost half of all children have three or more infections of this type by their third birthday.
Because this condition is so widespread, it is helpful to know what causes ear infections.
Although adults can suffer from an ear infection, children are much more likely to have one because their immune systems are not fully developed.
Combine this with the fact that the Eustachian tube is much shorter and straighter in a child than in an adult and problems arise which lead to inflammation of the middle ear.
The Eustachian tube is usually closed in both adults and children, but opens regularly to replenish and/or ventilate air within the middle ear.
This equalizes middle ear air pressure in response to changes in the environment.
When the Eustachian tube becomes blocks, say with mucus from a cold, it cannot open to ventilate the middle ear.
When this happens, fluid may accumulate in the air.
Fluid then builds up in the middle ear making it the perfect breeding ground for in infection.
Also, the adenoids in children are larger than they are in adults.
The adenoids contain a great deal of cells that fight off infection.
Yet, the size of the adenoids may prevent the Eustachian tube from opening properly.
This can lead to infection which then spreads into the middle ear.
When bacteria reaches the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, a number of things happen.
First, white cells accumulate in the area to fight off the bacteria.
Once the bacteria is killed, the white cells die off.
This can lead to the formation of pus.
When pus is present in the ear, the eardrum and middle ear bones cannot move properly.
Signs of infection begin and severe pain may result.
If not treated, this pus can put pressure on the eardrum, possibly tearing it and leading to further issues.
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, a trip to the doctor is recommended.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.
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