Are some children more susceptible to ear infections?

Ear infections can be a nightmare to deal with.

But why does it feel like some kids are constantly coming down with them while others manage to escape them? Well, it turns out that some children are simply more susceptible. Your child's anatomy is at the heart of it, paediatrician Dr Jarret Patton told Romper. We all have what's called a Eustachian tube that connects our inner ear to our throat to help drain fluid from the ear. "If the tubes are curvy or get blocked easily they will be more likely to get filled with fluid that can’t drain, leading to an ear infection," said Dr Patton. A cold or infection, acid reflux or even allergies can also cause the tube to become inflamed and blocked, creating a space in the eardrum where bacteria can build. There are other things that put children at a higher risk of ear infection. Exposure to cigarette smoke is a factor, as is attending childcare with other children. For whatever reason, boys are more prone to ear infections than girls are. Babies and children under the age of four are more susceptible than older children as their immune systems are weaker and because their Eustachian tube has not yet fully developed into downward slanted position. So what can be done to keep your child from catching ear infections? As with preventing any infections, good hygiene is important so make sure toys and surfaces are kept clean and that you're washing your hands regularly. Minimise risk factors like second-hand smoke and keep babies upright during feeding to prevent fluid building up in the ears. Unfortunately, if your child is one of those who is more susceptible, there's not too much you can do. "Kids that are prone to get ear infections are frankly going to get ear infections," Dr Michael Ferguson told WRAL News. "Eventually, the body outgrows it." Read the HSE's advice on inner ear infections here.