What causes an ear infection?
Both bacteria and viruses can cause ear infections. One of the main structures in the body which helps prevent ear infections is the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat at the back of the nose. The Eustachian tube helps prevent ear infections by allowing air to ventilate the middle ear, draining fluid from the middle ear, and preventing bacteria from entering the middle ear from the back of the nose and throat. Infants and children have Eustachian tubes that are smaller, shorter, and more horizontal than those in adults and they often work less well than those of older persons. This is one of the main reasons young children are prone to ear infections.
