What causes ear infections?

Dear Rebecca:

The most common type of ear

infection is a middle ear infection. It

may be caused by bacteria or by a virus.

Children often get ear infections when

they have a cold.

A small tube, called the eustachian

(you-STAY-shun) tube, leads from the

ear to the throat. The tube can become

blocked when you get a cold. This

blockage keeps fluid from draining into

the throat. The fluid is trapped in the

middle ear and may become infected

with the bacteria or virus. The infected

fluid puts pressure on the eardrum,

which turns red (the doctor or nurse

can see the redness when examining

your ear). At this stage, you may begin

to feel the pain of an earache.