- Ear infections are a common ailment, especially among children. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 75 percent of children have at least one ear infection by the age of three. Luckily, according to the Mayo Clinic, most ear infections clear up within two to three days. Ear infections can occur for a variety of reasons.
- Many ear infections occur, especially in children, because of a lag in the immune system. In children this is because the immune system is still developing. This is especially true since the bone marrow is continuing to grow and develop. The bone marrow is where much of the immune systems defense cells are produced.
- Many ear infections develop in conjunction with an infection of the cold virus. During a cold, the linings of the ear can become swollen. As the swelling increases, fluid starts to back up behind the ear drum. This can provide the right environment for an ear infection to take hold. As the swelling goes down, the fluid is released and the infection clears up.
- Ear infections can also occur when the Eustachian tubes (passage between the middle ear and the nose) get blocked or clogged. This allows a fluid buildup to occur, especially in the middle ear. This fluid can lead to infection.
- Ear infections can also develop due to a swelling of the pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids). These pieces of lymphoid tissue in the back of the throat can often swell and get infected. Since they are in close proximity with the Eustachian tubes, they can cause the tubes to become blocked. Once again, this can cause fluid backup and an ear infection.
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