When the infection spreads, more extensive treatment is required to get rid of the infection. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment of the ear infection is especially important. In many children, ear infections don't occur as isolated infections. Instead, the infection is accompanied by other conditions that also might require treatment. The association between ear infections and other conditions is most common in children who have repeated infections.
Allergies accompany or contribute to ear infection in many instances.
When children have repeated infections, parents might want to consider medical evaluation and testing for allergies. Organisms that cause URIs likely migrate into the ear. Whereas ear infections are not contagious, a URI is and should be treated promptly, not only to help the infected child but also to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. Ear infections also may be related to inflammation or infection of the tonsils and adenoids. When children require ventilation tubes for ear infections, the tonsils and adenoids can be removed at the same time.