Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. Statistics show that about 80 percent of children may have experienced an ear infection before they turned three years of age. This condition should not be a cause of alarm because of the availability of treatments like antibiotics and other prescription drugs. However, these drugs should not be taken without gaining the approval of health professionals. It is important to understand ear infections to know treatments and preventive measures for this condition.

Ear infections are often caused by the entry of viruses or bacteria into a small space in the eardrums. This invasion usually take place when a child has a weak immune system that is usually the case when on is still recovering from a cold or flu. As the infection develops, the middle ear may be filled with pus, and the growing mass may press against the eardrum and cause pain, a condition that may also be accompanied by a slight loss of hearing. Ear infections should never be taken for granted because fluid build-up in the ear may break through the eardrum. For this reason, ear infections should be treated in their early stage to prevent it from doing more serious damage. Parents of children with this condition should visit their doctor during first signs of this condition. Though this condition rarely causes hearing loss and majority of children with ear infections never experience any complications, ear infections can be very painful. Ear pain coupled with fever, swollen face, or swelling behind the ear may mean a serious infection and require immediate medical attention.

In the US, many children who see a doctor because of ear infections are treated with antibiotics. These drugs are proven safe and effective in treating ear infections and other kinds of infections. Despite their safety and availability, these drugs should never be administered without seeking the approval of health professionals. Improper use of antibiotics may lead to the development of side effects, allergies, drug interactions, and antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is the microorganisms' ability to withstand the effects of even the most potent antibiotic. In addition to this, antibiotics may also kill beneficial bacteria and lead to the development of other ailments. This is one of the primary reasons why antibiotics should be taken with caution, and only upon the doctor's recommendation.

Rather than searching for the cure, parents can take early steps to prevent ear infections by making necessary lifestyle changes. Ear infections can be prevented by clearing one's home of allergens and other substances that may cause a reaction. It is also important to keep a child's environment smoke-free since children who breathe second-hand smoke may be prone to ear infections.

Other steps than can be done to reduce a child's risk of developing ear infections may include the following:

Keep your child away from sick children. If you can, limit the time your child spends in group child care. A child care setting with fewer children may help.

Breast-feed your baby for at least six months. Breast milk contains antibodies that offer protection from ear infections.

If you bottle-feed, hold your baby in an upright position. Avoid propping a bottle in your baby's mouth while he or she is lying down.

It's good to remember, though, that hearing loss or other serious problems from a childhood ear infection are extremely rare. Many kids with ear infections never experience any complications. As always, proper understanding of this condition may prevent more serious conditions from developing.