“What causes a middle ear infection in children?”

The underlying cause of almost any middle ear infection is the presence of mucus. The nose and ear are connected internally by a little canal or tube, called the Eustachian tube. When mucus and congestion occur in the nose, it can travel to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. Once the mucus is present in the middle ear, it can become stagnant and just sit there. Stagnant mucus is like heaven for bacteria, so once bacteria begin to land or deposit in that mucus, they can rapidly multiply and cause infection. This is why middle ear infections are almost always preceded by either a “cold”, or respiratory illness, or allergies that are producing a lot of mucus.

Hello

Usually ear infections in children are caused by colds. Fluid from the nose can be transferred to the ear through the Eustachian tube.

In most cases, a viral infection. This leads to eustachian tube swelling and dysfunction. Then there is fluid accumulation from the tissue inflammation. Air cannot get in the middle ear due to eustachian tube dysfunction/ swelling. The fluid can then be secondarily infected by bacteria. Many cases may resolve spontaneously. Those that do not require treatment with antibiotics. If recurring infections, other infection side effects, hearing loss, imbalance, etc., Tubes are indicated. Type in serous otitis media on your browser or ask local ENT for more info.