What may increase your child's risk for problems from an ear infection?

Content provided by Healthwise

What may increase your child's risk for problems from an ear infection?

Many conditions, medicines, and diseases interfere with the ability to heal or fight infection. Your child may be at risk for a more serious problem from his or her symptoms if he or she has any of the following. Be sure to tell your child's health professional.

Conditions

Abnormally slow growth and development
Babies younger than age 3 months
A congenital defect (such as cleft palate) that increases the risk for ear infection
Ear tubes in place
Exposure to smoke, dust, or fumes
Living with smokers or regularly exposed to secondhand smoke
Premature birth

Medicines

Antibiotics, such as sulfa or amoxicillin
Corticosteroid treatment, such as prednisone
Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection
Medicine used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
Radiation therapy

Diseases

A chronic health problem, such as hearing loss, that may be made worse by an ear infection
Cancer
Diabetes
Down syndrome
Hemophilia
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Malnutrition
Sickle cell disease

Credits

Author	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	February 23, 2006

Last updated:	February 23, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.