Younger children more prone to ear infections

Q: Why do preschoolers have so many ear infections?

"If the Eustachian tube – a thin tube that equalizes pressure between the middle ear and throat – becomes blocked, due to a cold or upper respiratory infection, it can trap fluid behind the eardrum," says Abhishek Prasad, M.D., an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "The warmth and dampness of this small, dark space creates a perfect breeding environment for bacteria or viruses to grow into a painful infection."

Dr. Prasad says one of the main reasons middle-ear infections are so common in children – especially 2-year-olds and younger – is because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more easily blocked.

"While the tubes in older children and adults slant downward, those in younger children are nearly horizontal," he says. "That means fluid drains slower, even without a cold creating extra congestion."

Symptoms usually include pain, fever and the child tugging at the infected ear.

"If you suspect an ear infection, have your child examined by a doctor," Dr. Prasad says. "Eardrops and a regimen of antibiotics may be necessary to relieve pain and kill the infection."

For recurring ear infections, a visit to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist may be advised for the surgical placement of ear tubes to facilitate the flow of fluid from the middle ear.

"The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with the child returning to daycare or school the next day," concludes Dr. Prasad, who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center in Sugar Land.