A new study has revealed that occurrences of ear infections have decreased over the last couple of decades. This decrease may be linked to things like breastfeeding, vaccines, and less exposure to secondhand smoke.
Ear infections are one of the most common ailments experienced by infants, and often require treatment from antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
The study followed more than 300 babies ranging from a few weeks old to one year old. Researchers looked at diagnosed ear infections and colds, and also at things that have been thought to increase risk of ear infection, such as exposure to secondhand smoke and viruses and bacteria located in the nose and throat.
It was found that 46 percent of the babies in the study developed ear infections by the time they turned one. This is compared with similar studies performed in the 1980s and 1990s, which indicated that about 60 percent of babies had an ear infection before turning one. Although this study followed babies located in Texas and the previous studies covered other areas of the country, it is likely still an accurate representation, according to Dr. Tasnee Chonmaitree, pediatrics professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch and lead author of the study.
The country’s current higher rates of breastfeeding, reduced secondhand smoke exposure, and increase in the pneumococcal vaccine (which protects against many types of bacteria), could all contribute to the decreased rate of ear infections. In fact, the study found that babies who were exclusively breasted for six months were 63 percent less likely to have an ear infection, likely due to maternal antibodies found in breast milk.
It is important to note that untreated ear infections can lead to complications like ear damage and infection in the skull, so it is important to seek medical care for any child that is suspected of having an ear infection.
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