What Causes Ear Infections?

While an ear infection can happen at any age, it’s most common in children. This is because their ear structures are still developing, which means there’s more room for fluid to build up and there isn’t always proper draining. Ear infections can be miserable for your child to deal with and it’s important that you understand what causes ear infections so that you can try to help prevent them with your child. Our pediatricians at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, can explain what causes ear infections and how to help prevent them for your child.

Common Causes of Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by a previous sickness that your child might have had recently. This could be a cold, flu, or allergies. This sickness causes congestion and swelling in the sinuses and allows bacteria to infect the middle ear. When the eustachian tubes swell, they can block the path of drainage and allow fluid to build up in the middle ear. That allows bacteria to grow and an ear infection to develop. In some cases, children may need a tube inserted in their ear to help with drainage.

There are certain factors that can also increase your child’s risk of dealing with recurring ear infections. This includes:

• Being between 6 months and 2 years old
• Being in group care settings
• Bottle drinking
• Exposure to smoke or air pollution
• Seasonal allergies

In order to help your child avoid ear infections, you should talk to our pediatricians in Sacramento, CA, about how you can prevent ear infections. You should be sure to avoid smoke, keep your child as healthy as possible, and talk to our pediatrician about vaccinations.

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Find out why your child might deal with ear infections. Contact our pediatricians at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, to learn more about the causes of ear infections. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (916) 688-5040.