A 36-year-old member asked:
What causes ear infections? can you prevent them?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tanya Russoanswered
Pediatrics 27 years experience
Middle ear infection: generally occur when the eustachian tube (structure that prevents fluid accumulation in the middle ear space) becomes dysfunctional from things like inflammation. Preventing nasal congestion with various nasal sprays or decongestants can help, as well as allergy control.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 41-year-old member asked:
What can you do to prevent ear infections for toddlers with tubes?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Namerowanswered
Pediatrics 51 years experience
Reduce risk factors!: Chronic ear infections are very common. Risk factors may increase your risk: make sure your toddler is no longer on a bottle, has no pacifier and not exposed to cigarette smoke. Also, explore any allergies -- commonest being milk, dairy, if over age 2 or three, seasonal allergies can be a risk factor. Last, allergies to inhalants such as dust, mold, dogs and cats can increase ear infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
How exactly do ear tubes prevent further ear infections?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
It opens air flow: A main factor in recurrent ear infections is the build up of thickened mucous in the middle ear. This weeps off the walls of the space and should flow thru the eustacion tube to your throat. Recurrent infection may thicken the mucous & if it never flows out, germs love it. The tubes provide a window in the ear drum so air can get in & mucous can drain out. With the mucous is gone, no food for germs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Canvaccinationshelp prevent recurrent ear infections?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barbara A Majeronianswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Yes: The incidence of ear infectionss decreased significantly after thhe vaccine for haemophilis influenza was introduced. The vaccine against pneumococcus does not seem to affect ear infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
What are the causes of ear infections?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anatoly Belilovskyanswered
Pediatrics 37 years experience
Ears are connected..: ...To the nose on the inside, with a tunnel called the eustacian tube. Anything that happens in the nose, can affect the ear.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Affleck commented
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 32 years experience
The most common cause of ear infection is that the Eustachian tube isn't working. This results in a negative pressure, like a small vacuum. The negative pressure can be strong enough to pull fluid from the delicate tissues lining the middle ear. Once there is fluid, bacteria from the nose can then infect it. There are several reasons for the Eustachian tube to not work, including colds/allergy
Aug 16, 2013
A 21-year-old member asked:
Do colds cause ear infections?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Patrick Melderanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
They can: Colds or (upper respiratory infections - uris) are the leading predisposing cause of ear infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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