What is an Ear Infection? |
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Answer:
By the age of three, three out of four children have It is something that most parents are going to have to deal at some point (or several points) while raising their children. An ear infection typically starts with some kind of viral infection, such as a cold. The infection causes inflammation in the middle ear and traps fluid behind the ear drum. Ear infections can also occur due to a dysfunction or swelling within the Eustachian tubes. These are the narrow passageways that connect the middle ear to the pharynx. The purpose of the Eustachian tube is to equalize the pressure inside the ear with the pressure outside the ear. Because a child's Eustachian tubes are narrower and less developed than an adult's Eustachian tubes, it is easier for fluid to get trapped in the middle ear when the Eustachian tubes become blocked during a cold. Swollen adenoids can also be a contributing factors to an ear infection. The adenoids are tissues that are located in the upper part of the throat, near the Eustachian tubes. When the adenoids become infected, they become swollen and block the Eustachian tubes. This infection can also spread to the Eustachian tubes. The buildup of fluid can affect your child's hearing, temporarily. It is more difficult for the eardrum and the delicate bones of the middle ear transmit vibrations through the built up fluid. This hearing loss usually amounts to the amount lost by putting earplugs in, about 25 decibels. The fluid usually goes away on it's own. This typically takes a few weeks. If the fluid remains in the ear for a longer period of time, say a month or more, it can cause damage to the ear drum and the bones of the middle ear. Trackback(0)
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