COMMON IFECTIONS OF CHILDHOOD: EAR INFECTIONS (OTITIS MEDIA)
Ear infections (otitis media) are among the commonest of childhood illnesses, and occur most frequently in babies and young toddlers, and then peak again around the age of school entry. They are less common beyond 8 years of age. Like colds and influenza, they occur most frequently in the winter months. Although they may cause fever and pain in the short-term, they usually resolve with treatment and there are no long-term consequences.
Some children do have recurrent ear infections, for reasons that are not clear, and these may lead to ‘glue ear’ and hearing loss. ‘Glue ear’ is the term often used to describe the presence of thick, glue like secretions in the middle ear, which are sometimes the consequence of repeated ear infections. It very often affects the child’s hearing, which in turn may affect the child’s language and general development. Ear infections in young children must be treated promptly and followed up to make sure that a chronic or recurrent situation does not develop.
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