ear infection

ear infection Infection of the ear by bacteria or viruses. Ear infections are the most frequent diagnosis in sick children. Ear infections occur less commonly in adults. Almost every child has one or more bouts of middle ear infection (otitis media) before age 6. The Eustachian tube is shorter in children than in adults, allowing easy entry of bacteria and viruses. Outer ear infection in adults is sometimes associated with excessive cotton swab irritation of the ear canal. Bottle-feeding is a risk factor for ear infections. Breast-feeding passes to the baby immunity that helps prevent ear infections. The position of the breast-feeding child is better than that of the bottle-feeding child for Eustachian tube function. If a child needs to be bottle-fed, holding the infant rather than allowing the child to lie down with the bottle is best. A child should not take the bottle to bed. Ear infections are not contagious, but the bacteria or viruses that cause them may be. A child with an ear infection can travel by airplane, but if the Eustachian tube is not functioning well, changes in pressure can cause discomfort. A child with a draining ear should not fly or swim. See also ear infection, external.