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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 .

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Middle Ear Infection Guide

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