Ear Infections

What causes childhood ear infections?

Most times, bacteria cause ear infections. Often, it begins after a child has a sore throat, cold, or upper respiratory infection. If a virus, like a cold, causes the upper respiratory condition the fluid from the cold can build up behind the eardrum and lead to an infection. Anyone can develop an ear infection, but they are most common among young children. Children are more prone to ear infections because the Eustachian tubes in their ears are small, which makes it difficult for fluid to drain out.

How does swimmer’s ear differ from a regular ear infection?

Leaving contaminated water in the ear after swimming causes swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is also known as “otitis externa,” the infection occurs in the outer ear canal and can cause pain and discomfort for swimmers of all ages. Moisture is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and the longer the water remains in the ear canal, the worse the infection can get.