As a parent, keeping your children healthy is your number one priority. When your child starts to suffer from recurring ear infections, it can be a bit scary. To get to the root of the problem, it’s important to understand the most likely causes of their condition.
Blocked Eustachian Tube
The eustachian tube is a connector between the nasal passages and the inner ear. In children, this tube is much smaller because it’s not fully developed. This makes it more prone to blockage. When the tube becomes blocked, it can lead to an ear infection.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is known as an abnormal skin growth that develops within the middle ear. More specifically, it develops behind the eardrum. While this can occur naturally from a birth defect, it can also develop if a child has repeated ear infections. You’ll need to seek the assistance of a skilled pediatric ENT to remove the cholesteatoma from the ear.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is a type of bacterial infection that occurs in the inner and middle ear. There are mastoid air cells that make up the mastoid bone. This is a temporal bone that comprises the skull. When these mastoid air cells become inflamed, it can result in middle ear infections that are relentless.
Many times, mastoiditis can simply be treated with an aggressive course of antibiotics. In some rarer cases, surgery may be required to remedy the ongoing problem.
Hole In The Eardrum
Any tear or hole in the eardrum is referred to as a ruptured eardrum. This is a result of direct damage to the ear. The eardrum consists of a thin piece of skin that is stretched like a drum. It’s connected to the middle ear and ear canal.
Since the eardrum works by vibrating when it hears noises, any tear in it can result in significant hearing damage and infection.
Ear infections can be quite unpleasant for adults. Dealing with a child who has repeated ear infections can be a hard experience for any parent to undergo. By taking the time to learn of the various causes of repeated ear infections in children, you can start to better understand what may be the root cause of your child’s ear infection.
It’s always a good idea to talk over the possibilities with your child’s physician. Most will refer you to an ear, nose, and throat pediatric specialist for further diagnosis and treatment of the issue.
