Middle Ear Infection Prevention

Prevention

To reduce the chance of getting an ear infection:

• Avoid exposure to smoke.
• Breastfeed your baby for at least the first six months.
• Try to avoid giving your baby a pacifier.
• If you bottlefeed, keep your baby's head propped up as much as possible. Don't leave a bottle in the crib with your baby.
• Get tested for allergies.
• Treat related conditions, such as GERD.
• Practice good handwashing .
• Make sure your child has been vaccinated. The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of middle ear infections.
• Consider getting a flu vaccine .
• If your child has a history of ear infections, talk to the doctor about long-term antibiotic use. This is used in some cases.
• Ask your doctor about tympanostomy tubes. These tubes help equalize pressure behind the eardrum.
• Large adenoids can interfere with the eustachian tubes. Ask your child's doctor about having the adenoids removed .