{"id":15098,"date":"2020-08-24T09:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T13:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=15098"},"modified":"2020-08-26T11:36:53","modified_gmt":"2020-08-26T15:36:53","slug":"ear-infection-in-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ear-infection-in-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Ear Infections in kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Endless coughs and sneezes, runny noses, and unexplained itchy bumps\u2014kids seem to be a magnet for germs. In our parent’s guide to childhood illnesses, we talk about the symptoms and treatments for the most common conditions. Read the full series here<\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What is an ear infection?<\/a> | When to see a doctor<\/a> | Treatments<\/a> | Complications<\/a> | Recurrent ear infections<\/a> | Prevention<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Few smells transport me back to my childhood faster than the \u201cbanana medicine.\u201d As a child who suffered from frequent ear infections, I became well-acquainted with that bright yellow liquid that tasted like candy, but was really an antibiotic. That I have had so many occasions to wax nostalgic at the smell in my days as a daycare teacher, and now a parent, makes one thing clear: Ear infections and childhood go hand-in-hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an ear infection?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A middle ear infection (acute otitis media, or AOM) is an inflammation of the middle ear. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and is usually caused by bacteria. Ear infections in kids are especially common, with <\/span>5 out of 6 children<\/span><\/a> experiencing at least one by the time they are 3 years old, with peak incidence occurring between ages 6 and 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n

While ear infections are an infection within the middle ear, they typically start with an upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses, including influenza viruses. Bacteria or viruses from the nose and throat move into the middle ear and to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), causing increased secretions, swelling, and pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some children are more prone to ear infections than others. Children under the age of 6, who attend daycare, who are exposed to cigarette smoke, who have other health conditions such as asthma, ear or facial abnormalities, who live in polluted areas, or who drink from a bottle lying down are at a higher risk for ear infections. Also, lack of breastfeeding or pneumococcal and influenza vaccines increase the risk for ear infections. Ear infections may also run in families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of an ear infection in kids<\/span><\/h2>\n

When there is a fluid build-up in the middle ear without infection, the condition is called otitis media with effusion. This typically doesn\u2019t cause fever, pus, or drainage, but can still cause pain from pressure or other problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen there is fluid in the middle ear, the eardrum cannot vibrate so the first symptoms you may notice are a feeling of fullness in the middle ear and a decrease in your ability to hear out of that ear,\u201d says Leann Poston, MD, a medical contributor for Ikon Health.<\/span><\/p>\n

This fluid build-up can become more serious. \u201cAny time fluid sits still, just like in a pond, bacteria and viruses can start to increase in number and cause an infection,\u201d says Dr. Poston.<\/span><\/p>\n

Verbal children can tell their parents about an earache\u2014but because ear infections typically start before children are able to express themselves clearly, it\u2019s important for parents to watch for other signs of ear infection. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n