Other reasons why children get otitis media
Viral infections:
Children have poorly developed immune systems and suffer frequent respiratory infections, particularly in the first 2 years of life. Viral respiratory infections have been shown to occur in many children 3-4 days prior to the onset of otitis media.
Bacteria:
**Children under 2 years of age do not produce antibodies against the most common bacteria causing acute otitis media.
After 2 years of age, the immune system begins to produce antibodies against these bacteria. This developing immunity probably explains the more rapid clearing of fluid from the middle ear seen in older children after acute otitis media.
Daycare:
Children in large families and children who regularly attend any form of pre-school/child care facility have up to 7 times the normal rate of Glue Ear due to higher rate of spreading of respiratory infections amongst groups of children.
Children in large families and children who regularly attend any form of pre-school/child care facility have up to 7 times the normal rate of Glue Ear due to higher rate of spreading of respiratory infections amongst groups of children.
http://www.childhealthresearch.org.au/news-events/media-releases/2008/may/ear-infections-linked-to-passive-smoking.aspx
Adenoids:
Children who are mouth breathers or snore may have enlarged adenoids as one factor causing their otitis media. Mouth breathing is a symptom to look out for with glue ear or eustachian tubes that need emptying.
Adenoids harbor bacteria, causing viruses.
Adenoids:
Children who are mouth breathers or snore may have enlarged adenoids as one factor causing their otitis media. Mouth breathing is a symptom to look out for with glue ear or eustachian tubes that need emptying.
Adenoids harbor bacteria, causing viruses.
- Removal of the adenoids is preferred when grommet surgery occurs and will help these children. Some interesting reading..... http://webhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/enlarged-adenoids
Swimming
Swimming in water like rivers and dams with leaf matter, dead animals, and animal faeces can be stagnant and harbor bacteria. It is dangerous for children with perforations (hole) in their eardrums to swim in rivers/dams without earplugs as this dirty water is going through the hole and into the middle ear. This is very common out in Western NSW areas.