Fortunately, as children get older, their immune systems and eustachian tubes mature and function better so that ear infections usually can be outgrown by the age of three or four. There are several risk factors for developing childhood ear infections. The most common reason is an upper respiratory infection which introduces germs and can cause swelling of the eustachian tube. Children in group childcare settings have a higher chance of getting a cold and passing them on to others. Although otitis media is not contagious, upper respiratory infections are and predispose children to ear problems.
Allergies can also cause stuffy noses, which in turn can lead to ear infections.
Children are more likely to have repeated ear infections if a parent or sibling also has ear infection problems. Children who are in the presence of and breathe tobacco smoke have been shown to be at higher risk of developing numerous health problems including ear infections. Your child may have a number of symptoms during an ear infection. Pain is the most common symptom but while older children are able to verbalize ear pain younger ones may only appear irritable, pull on their ears, and have difficulty sleeping. A fever may or may not be present.