Why are young children prone to ear infections?
A typical middle ear infection in a child begins with either a viral infection (such as a common cold) or unhealthy bacterial growth. Sometimes the middle ear becomes inflamed and causes fluid buildup behind the eardrum. In other cases, the eustachian tubes — the narrow passageways connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose — become swollen. The passages in children’s ears are narrower, shorter, and more horizontal than adults’. Because it’s easier for germs to reach the middle ear, it’s also easier for fluid to get trapped there. And just as children are still developing, so are their immune systems. Once the infection takes hold, it’s harder for a child’s body to fight it Signs and symptoms Common signs of an ear infection include: Tugging at the ears More crying than usual, especially when lying down Trouble sleeping or hearing Fever or headache Fluid coming out of the ears In addition, ear infections are often associated with upper respiratory tract infections and as a resul
