{"id":5815,"date":"2019-02-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=5815"},"modified":"2024-08-16T23:15:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T23:15:47","slug":"how-to-reduce-risk-ear-infections-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/how-to-reduce-risk-ear-infections-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"How to reduce the risk of ear infections in kids","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you find yourself thinking \u201cAnother ear infection?\u201d about your child, this article might be for you.<\/p>\n<p>Cold and flu season often brings an increase of ear infections in children. In many cases, these infections are viral and resolve on their own or with a short course of antibiotics.<\/p>\n<p>Children with frequent, recurring and\/or chronic ear infections may need temporary ear tube placement, which can decrease the frequency and severity of the infections.<\/p>\n<p>But are there other ways to prevent or reduce ear infections? Why do some children get them so often?<\/p>\n<h2>Why do children get ear infections?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Nasal allergies<\/strong> are a significant risk factor for ear infections. More than 25 percent of children have allergies, which are a major contributor to ear infections. Getting an accurate diagnosis and treating allergies can help reduce ear-related issues.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upper respiratory infection<\/strong>, which includes the coughing, runny nose or sore throat, is a significant cause of ear infections. Viruses and\/or bacteria can be involved in these infections, which is why antibiotics are used to fight some cases of ear infection.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Snoring<\/strong> loudly at least three times per week is a common symptom in children with frequent ear infections. Getting them treated early may prevent middle ear disease. The removal of enlarged adenoids may improve ear function (and snoring).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Secondhand smoke<\/strong> has been associated with increased risk of middle ear disease. Several studies suggest that exposure to nicotine and other smoking products could make children more susceptible to ear infections by weakening the body\u2019s natural defenses against bacteria that invade the ear. Avoiding or greatly decreasing smoke exposure can help.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Breastfeeding<\/strong> <strong>is believed to be an<\/strong> <strong>optimal defense against ear infections<\/strong>. It\u2019s reported that breastfeeding, even for only three months, could lessen the risk of middle ear infection in children.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Day care attendance<\/strong> could increase the risk of children\u2019s exposure to respiratory pathogens. It&#8217;s reported to be a significant risk factor for upper respiratory infections in children.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Genetics<\/strong> is still being researched, but may explain the prevalence of ear infections in some families.<\/p>\n<p>Your child\u2019s specific situation and risk factors may differ, so please\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/services\/ear-nose-throat\/\">consult with a MultiCare ENT specialist near you<\/a>\u00a0for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you find yourself thinking \u201cAnother ear infection?\u201d about your child, this article might be for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":123,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ent","category-kids-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - 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