Ear infections are usually not serious. However, they can cause unpleasant symptoms like ear pain, fever and even temporary hearing loss.
If you or your child suffers from recurrent ear infections, take a look at these risk factors and prevention methods to ease your pain.
Risk Factors for Ear Infections
Anyone can develop an ear infection at any time. However, certain factors can put you more at risk, including:
- Age. Children are more likely to experience ear infections than adults because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more likely to experience fluid buildup.
- Allergies. Having allergies can cause enlarged adenoids. These can block the Eustachian tubes and lead to fluid buildup.
- Respiratory tract infections. Ear infections often develop after a virus like a cold.
- Family history. Being prone to ear infections can run in families.
- Smoking. Exposure to cigarette smoke from smoking or secondhand smoke can increase the risk of ear infection.
- Medical conditions. Having asthma or cystic fibrosis can put you at a higher risk.
Children in daycare, school or with older siblings also appear more likely to be at risk for ear infections. This is likely due to the fact that they are exposed to more germs.
Preventing Ear Infections in Adults
If you are an adult who experiences ear infections, consider the following:
- Quit smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap regularly to avoid germs.
- Dry your ears after showering or swimming at Fort Thomas Swim Club.
- Keep your ears clean. However, don’t use a cotton swab or stick anything in your ear to do so. This can push wax further into your ear canal and cause more problems. Instead, gently wipe your ear with a wet washcloth while bathing.
Preventing Ear Infections in Children
- Teach your children to wash their hands regularly, especially in environments where they are exposed to more germs
- Don’t smoke or allow anyone else to smoke around them
- If you bottle-feed your child, make sure to do so at an upright angle. Otherwise, formula can flow back into their middle ear and cause an infection
- Avoid exposure to sick people when possible
Getting Vaccinated Can Lower Ear Infection Risk
Research has shown that vaccines that help prevent pneumonia and influenza can reduce the risk of ear infections.
Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about your vaccine status or your child’s. If anyone is due for an immunization, see if you can make an appointment to get caught up and protect yourself and your family from unnecessary illness.
To learn more about your ear health, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.