![]() I’ve had a few adult patients who need tubes because of recurrent ear infections into adulthood,” says Dr. “There definitely are some adults that need tubes. Ear infections, in general, aren’t as common in adults, but sometimes tubes are still necessary. Children with recurrent ear infections (three or more in 6 months or four or more in a year) or affected hearing will sometimes need tubes to help get air into the middle ear. Your ear is supposed to be a negative pressure environment, so when you get lots of pressure it causes pain.” When does a patient need ear tubes, and what do they do?Įar tubes are small plastic or metal tubes inserted into ears to reduce ear infections by allowing fluids to drain and refreshing the air in the ear. “This makes sense due to gravity and laying down,” Dr. Laying down can back up the drainage in the middle ear, causing pressure and pain. Why are some ear infection symptoms worse at night?Įar infection symptoms can worsen at night because the pressure is greater. If babies are bottle-fed, holding them in an upright position during feeding can also help. The antibodies present in breast milk can help decrease infections because of the natural immunities.”įrequent hand washing and avoiding secondhand smoke are other ways to reduce the risk of developing ear infections. “Kids who are breastfed have a lesser risk of ear infection. But there are ways to help prevent ear infections. Allergy symptoms can cause the sinuses and eustachian tubes to become inflamed and trap bacteria. We see ear infections commonly in kids who are exposed to smoke in their homes or a caretaker environment.Īllergies can also play a role in ear infections, she says. “Being exposed to smoke is another big risk factor. “In some people, the anatomy and angle of the eustachian tube are not as sloped, so it’s easier for mucus and fluid to get stuck,” explains Dr. Though rare, adults can also get recurring ear infections. Why are some kids more prone to ear infections than others?Ĭhronic or recurrent ear infections can happen in children and infants. With fluid and mucus, infection happens.”Įar infections can cause fever and severe ear pain as well as dizziness, yellowish discharge, disrupted sleep, loss of balance, headaches, redness, and even hearing loss or change in more severe cases. “When there’s inflammation in the sinuses, that area gets smaller, mucus is produced, and the fluid backs up into the ear canal. “Our sinuses are connected to our ears and mouth, like a big tube system,” Dr. The area then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria can cause infection and inflammation in the ear, which leads to pain. Rachel Johnson, MD, Nebraska Medicine internal medicine, pediatrics, explains that ear infections start when fluid containing bacteria or viruses is trapped in the ear. Here’s why it’s best to treat ear infections as soon as possible. It’s painful for them and causes lots of sleepless nights for everyone. Many parents know what it’s like when a child is experiencing an ear infection. ![]() Learn more about ear infections from Rachel Johnson, MD. ![]() But sometimes antibiotics aren’t the answer. Ear infections are common in children, and many parents are convinced they need antibiotics. ![]()
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