{"id":268,"date":"2020-09-15T17:20:58","date_gmt":"2020-09-15T21:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.fm1.dev\/pediatric-ent-overview\/pediatric-ear-infection\/"},"modified":"2021-09-29T13:31:54","modified_gmt":"2021-09-29T17:31:54","slug":"ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.com\/pediatrics\/ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Pediatric Ear Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ear infections occur when fluid fills the space between the eardrum and the inner ear. This happens when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked thanks to a virus or bacterium, preventing mucus and pus from draining out of the middle ear. These fluids put pressure on the eardrum, causing pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children are especially susceptible to ear infections thanks in large part to anatomy. The structure of their Eustachian tubes, which are not fully functional until\u00a0around age six<\/a>, makes them prone to swelling and blockages. Children who attend daycare or school and those who are exposed to tobacco smoke are most at risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n