What's Causing Your Child's Recurring Ear Infections?

Just about every child reaching the age of three has had at least one ear infection. That amounts to over 80%, making otitis media (middle ear infection) a common childhood condition. Unlike a common cold, however, ear infections carry more risk of long-term complications. 

While ear infections often resolve on their own, it’s possible for an infection to spread or for related hearing problems to linger as a result of permanent damage. Avoiding ear infections altogether is the best path, though it’s not always possible due to conditions in your child’s developing body. 

At Millennium Pediatrics in Naperville, Illinois, our experienced medical professionals can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of ear infections, helping you recognize when a common infection becomes a more serious issue.  

Ear infection symptoms

Ear infections can occur before some children can communicate the discomfort or pain they’re feeling. Observing their behavior may be the best way to recognize a problem. When a child complains of ear pain, it’s easy to suspect an infection. There are often nonverbal clues as well, such as: 

• Pulling, tugging, or cupping their ears
• Sleep pattern disruptions
• Increased crying or fussiness mixed with other signs
• Stumbling or falling more than usual, suggesting balance problems
• Reduced response to normal voice levels or quiet sounds
• Fever, as well as other symptoms
• Fluid drainage from their ear

Reasons for recurrence

In most ear infections, fluid accumulates behind your child’s eardrum. The excess fluid normally drains through their eustachian tubes, passageways between their ear and throat that allow stable air pressure inside their ear, as well as providing drainage.

When their eustachian tubes become blocked, pressure can’t equalize between the middle ear and outside air. Pressure differences and accumulated fluid cause the aching and pain your child feels.

Your child’s eustachian tubes are small as their bodies develop, yet they face the same fluid drainage as an adult’s ears do. This smaller diameter creates issues that will naturally resolve as they grow. 

The eustachian tubes are also closer to level in young bodies, so gravity can’t assist ear drainage. This also changes as your child’s body matures. Additionally, genetic variations can influence a child’s eustachian tube size and shape.

A haven for bacteria

Reduced ear drainage creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. A child’s developing immune system may have trouble suppressing this growth when they’re young. Something as simple as a cold can create mucus blocks, creating conditions that allow bacteria to thrive. 

When an infection lingers

Middle ear infections can heal naturally on their own, but sometimes they can develop into something more severe. Schedule a visit to Millennium Pediatrics if your child encounters symptoms like: 

• An infection before reaching six months of age
• Distressing pain
• Earache symptoms that last more than a day
• Ear problems that continue after a cold
• Blood, fluid, or pus draining from their ear

Ear infections are easy to treat before complications set in, so set up an exam for your child at the earliest signs of trouble. We offer same-day sick visits. Call Millennium Pediatrics at 630-548-1100.