Higher rates of breastfeeding, use of vaccinations and lower rates of smoking by mothers may reduce the risk of ear infections in babies, according to new research.
Higher rates of breastfeeding, use of vaccinations and lower rates of smoking by mothers may reduce the risk of ear infections in babies, according to new research.
Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, US, found that rates of ear infection have dropped significantly since similar studies were conducted in the late 1980s and 1990s.
They suggested that higher rates of breastfeeding, use of vaccinations and lower rates of smoking may be the major contributors. The study, led by Tasnee Chonmaitree, professor in the department of paediatrics, found that rates of ear infection dropped from 18 to 6 per cent in three month olds, from 39 to 23 per cent in six month olds and from 62 to 46 per cent in one year olds. From October 2008 to March 2014, investigators followed 367 babies, less than one month old through their first birthday. They gathered information on family history of ear infections, cigarette smoke exposure and breast versus formula feeding. Researchers collected nose and throat mucus samples throughout the study to seek out and identify infections.
