The risk of ear infections in infants is declining, thanks to breastfeeding and new vaccines, according to a study conducted in the United States. Although about 46 percent of infants still experience at least one ear infection by their first birthday, this figure has dropped from over 60 percent in the 1990s, as outlined in the journal Pediatrics
Infants who were breastfed and received vaccines against the flu and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria were found to be much less susceptible to ear infections. Dr. Tasnee Chonmaitree, the lead author of the study from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, recommends that parents ensure their children receive these bacterial and flu vaccines as advised, breastfeed them according to recommendations, and minimize exposure to cigarette smoke and individuals with the common cold
These preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of ear infections, even though they cannot completely eliminate them, especially as a complication of the common cold. The common cold often precedes bacterial and viral ear infections, which is why ear infections remain prevalent despite a decrease in their incidence
The research team tracked 367 healthy infants during their first year, observing them for at least six months or until they experienced an ear infection. During the study, 305 infants had respiratory infections that could lead to ear infections, and 180 ear infections were recorded in a total of 143 babies
Breastfeeding was found to significantly lower the risk of both upper respiratory infections and ear infections. Exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of three months, along with prolonged breastfeeding duration and delayed introduction of exclusive formula feeding, were all linked to a reduced risk of ear infections
Pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding until at least six months of age due to its potential to lower the risk of various infections and conditions, including ear infections
While children can start receiving the pneumococcal vaccine at two months of age, they require a series of booster shots to enhance its effectiveness. Although children born after 2010 who received a newer version of the pneumococcal vaccine appeared to have fewer ear infections, the difference was not significant enough to conclusively attribute it to the vaccine
Reduced exposure to cigarette smoke was also associated with fewer ear infections, although the results were not statistically significant. Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, chairman of ear, nose, and throat medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York, emphasizes that interventions aimed at reducing harmful germs in a child’s nose and throat, breastfeeding, and new vaccines all play a role in reducing the occurrence of ear infections.
