MayoClinic.com explains that ear infections occur frequently in children, especially until the age of four or five. Adults rarely develop an ear infection. Symptoms include pain in the affected ear, low fever, and dizziness, feeling pressure in the ear or a temporary loss of hearing. Treatment consists of using pain reliving methods including an antibiotic if the infection recurs, becomes severe or has lasted more than three days. Infections occur when fluids become trapped in the ear.
Eustachian Tube Size
The eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the the throat. This is the path that fluids normally take from inside the ear. When this tube is narrow or short the risk of ear infections increases. MayoClinic.comc points out that children naturally have smaller eustachian tubes, making ear infections common. An adult can also have an abnormally sized eustachian tube.
Other Illness
Ear infections often follow another illness, such as the common cold or sinus infection, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fluids that normally drain from the sinuses down the throat can find their way up inside the ear, as can the virus or bacteria causing the illness. It is common for the adenoids to become swollen during such illnesses. The adenoids are located in the back of the throat. When these become infected or swollen, the eustachian tube can become blocked. Some common infections that cause adenoid swelling include strep throat and tonsillitis.
Immune System Weakness
Individuals with a compromised immune system are at a greater risk of infection, including ear infection. Bacteria is normally found within the body and the ear. When the immune system is suppressed from an illness or health condition, the bacteria can overproduce and cause an infection.
Bottle-feeding
The KidsHealth website suggests that infants who drink from a bottle prove more susceptible to ear infections. Lying flat while drinking from a bottle can increase the risk as well because fluids can pool in the inner ear areas.
Cigarette Smoke
Infants and children who are exposed to cigarette smoke have an increased risk of developing ear infections, suggests the KidsHealth website. Being around second-hand smoke can also cause other health problems in children.
