An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a disease of the middle ear that is most commonly caused from a bacterial infection. According to PDRHealth, ear infections in children most often occur between the ages of 3 months and 3 years. Ear infections can cause pain, fever and irritability, but usually are not serious.
Anatomical Causes
A child's Eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the nose and upper throat. The Eustachian tube drains fluid away from the middle ear. In children, these tubes are shorter, smaller and more horizontal, making them more vulnerable to obstruction. When the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed and swells, fluid accumulates and prevents effective drainage, which creates an environment for bacteria to grow and causes an infection. The inflammation in the Eustachian tube begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory or breathing problems spread to the middle ear. Once the inflammation clears, the fluid will drain away and normal function will return. If blockage of the Eustachian tube persists and bacteria continues to grow, further complications can develop.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are minute, microscopic and unicellular organisms. There are thousands of different kinds, and they live in every conceivable environment all over the world. Certain bacteria are the primary causes of ear infections in children. The bacteria most commonly causing ear infections include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilius influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Bacteria can enter the body by various routes. A person can breath in bacteria, ingest them after touching contaminated surfaces or consume them through affected food. Some bacteria can enter the body through the skin as well.
Viral Infection
Rhinovirus, a cause of the common cold, may also lead to an ear infection though it is not the direct infecting agent. Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, however, is another common virus in children responsible for respiratory infections that may be a direct cause of some ear infections.
Other Causes
Allergies are potential causes of ear infections. An allergy can cause inflammation in the airways which contributes to ear infections. Barotrauma, which is pressure changes in air-containing spaces, can cause tissue damage in the middle ear and precipitate an infection. According to the National Institutes for Health, children are also prone to ear infections as their immune systems are immature and still developing.
References
- "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum"; Saunders Elsevier 6th ed; 2007
- "UpToDate": Patient information: Ear Infectionn in Children
- "PDRHealth": Otitis Media in Children
- CDC: Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work, Ear Infections
- Bacteria: Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health
