Ear Infections
Did you know that ear infections are more likely to occur after a cold or other upper respiratory infection has been present for a few days? During a cold, throat infection, or allergy attack, the eustachian tube that connects the throat and the middle ear swells and prevents air from entering the middle ear. This creates suction, which pulls fluid into the middle ear space. The fluid becomes trapped there, allowing viruses or bacteria to grow and cause an ear infection. This condition is called otitis media. Ear infections are most common in children ages 8 and younger, since their ears have shorter, softer, and more horizontal eustachian tubes, which are more easily blocked. Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, irritability, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and possible loss of hearing. Nonprescription pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), may be all that’s needed. But always see your doctor to determine if further treatment for an ear infection may be necessary.

Source: www.WebMD.com

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