This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

Rewarding for
you and us
Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes
Foundation
150 153rd Ave,
Suite 300
Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Common Cold Leads To Ear Infections In Children

By Daniel H. Rasolt

Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008

(Defeat Diabetes® News) -- Two of the most common diseases of infants and young children are colds and ear infections. A recent study has shown that a large percentage of ear infections are caused by what's considered to be a "common cold."

The study, conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, followed 294 children, 6 months to 3 years in age. "Researchers documented about 1,300 cold episodes and a 61 percent rate of ear infection complication including asymptomatic fluid in the middle ear, which can cause hearing problems."The cold viruses that were found to most likely cause an ear infection were "adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus."

By showing this connection, the study enforces the importance of keeping young children away from areas contaminated with many germs, and other sick children and adults. Study author Dr. Tasnee Chronmaitree says "Because we now know that the common cold is the precursor to an ear infection, it is important for parents to make extra efforts to prevent their children from catching colds." The results also create the possibility of better understanding ear infections and how they develop, and how to treat and prevent them.

Source: Defeat Diabetes Foundation: Chronmaitree, Tasnee. Canright, Marsha. Clinical Infectious Diseases News Release. March 2008.

Daniel H. Rasolt writes for Defeat Diabetes® News. Read more of his original content articles.

Copyright © 2008 Defeat Diabetes Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.