Ear infections are more common in children because their eustachian
tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults,
making the movement of air and fluid difficult. Bacteria can become
trapped when the tissue of the eustachian tube becomes swollen from
colds or allergies. Bacteria trapped in the eustachian tube may
produce an ear infection that pushes on the eardrum causing it to
become red, swollen, and sore.
Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
