Causes And Risk Factors For An Ear Infection

Smoking

The majority of individuals are aware of the major health risks smoking poses: it increases the chances of developing multiple types of cancer, damages immune function, and causes internal organs to not work as well. But many might be surprised to hear smoking also increases the chances of developing an ear infection. In fact, smokers are more likely to experience hearing loss than non-smokers. The health of an individual's hearing can be negatively impacted by cigarette smoke even if they only breathe secondhand smoke rather than smoking themselves. There are several reasons why smoking increases an individual's ear infection risk. One is the components found in the smoke can irritate the lining of the ear and Eustachian tube. Another is the damage to the immune system makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections it might otherwise not be susceptible to. Smoking causes ongoing damage to tissues found in the throat and nose. When these become infected, the infection can also sometimes affect the ears.

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Climate Changes

Climate changes can increase an individual's risk of developing an ear infection. For those who live in places with extreme weather patterns, the changing of the seasons may be enough to increase their risk. Others might experience an increased infection risk if they move from a very wet and cold climate to a very hot and dry one, or vice versa. In addition, allergies in the spring and summer can make individuals more susceptible to infections. Allergic reactions can feel an awful lot like infections, even if they aren't technically the same thing. If individuals are experiencing allergies, they won't typically have a fever. Increased mucus production can lead to blockages in the ears, which can also make it harder for fluid to drain. If individuals have excess fluid in their ears, they're more likely to get an infection. Children are particularly susceptible to this type of infection when the seasons change. Should individuals find their hearing is affected, they should see a doctor right away to make sure pressure changes in their ear don't lead to permanent hearing loss.

Read more about the causes and risk factors for an ear infection now.