3-3-09

Kids Ear Infections

Chronic middle ear infection is a very common medical condition affecting young children.

Middle ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses that causes them to visit a physician, says Dr. Leonard Rybak, professor of otolaryngology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  Nearly two-thirds of children in the developed countries will have one episode of middle ear infection by age 1.  And three out of four children will have this infection by age 3.  Rybak explains some symptoms of a child’s ear infection.

SOUND BITE:   “Typically, they will pull at their ears.   They may wake up at night crying.  They may wake up at night and have drainage that you can see.  And also, they may not respond to their parents calling.”

Dr. Rybak says ear infections are often caused by a respiratory infection or cold that causes the bacteria to go up through the back of the nose to the middle ear.  He explains some treatment options for ear infections.

SOUND BITE:   “The big stand-by is antibiotics but unfortunately a lot of  bacteria now are becoming resistant, so they are becoming less effective over time.  Then it may be necessary to use particular classes of antibiotics, or in some case if the infection doesn’t clear up, the child may require surgery.”

If your child has symptoms of ear infection, they should be seen by a primary care physician or pediatrician for diagnosis and possible treatment before the problem becomes serious.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.