Health Tip: Is Your Child at Risk for Ear Infections?

(HealthDay News) -- Middle ear infections are common in many children. This may be because their eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower than those of their elders, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Here is the academy''s list of common risk factors for child ear infections:

• Frequent exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Having had allergies, frequent colds, prior ear infections, or a family history of ear infections.
• Attending day care.
• Being born prematurely or at a low birth weight.
• Sleeping with a bottle or using a pacifier.
• Being male -- boys are more likely to get ear infections than girls.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 25, 2007

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