Multiple upper respiratory infections may lead to frequent acute otitis media. For this reason, exposure to large groups of children, such as in child care centers, results in more frequent colds and therefore more earaches. Environmental irritants , such as secondhand tobacco smoke, should also be avoided. Some medical conditions are associated with frequent otitis media, specifically Down syndrome, cleft palate, and allergies . Certain groups of people are also more frequent sufferers of ear infections, particularly Native Americans.
Males are also more commonly affected than females.
Children who have acute otitis media when younger than 6 months may be more prone to frequent bouts of ear infection. Children who are prone to recurring bouts of otitis media or who have deficiencies in their immune system may be prescribed antibiotics or a tympanostomy tube by their doctor to prevent future infections. A tympanostomy tube is inserted into the ear during surgery to permit fluid to drain from the middle ear. Your child's doctor can diagnose the exact cause of the discomfort by careful examination of the eardrum and offer specific therapy. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your child's doctor.