Which factors increase the risk of otitis media in children?

Which factors increase the risk of otitis media in children?

• A. Exposure to smoke, pacifiers, and bottle feeding while lying down.
• B. Exclusive breastfeeding.
• C. Regular physical activity.
• D. Adequate sleep.

Answer: (A)

Risks for otitis media in children include environmental and feeding practices that affect the function of the Eustachian tube. Exposure to tobacco smoke irritates the upper airway and impairs normal mucociliary clearance, increasing the likelihood of fluid buildup and infection in the middle ear. Pacifier use is linked to higher risk as it can alter swallowing and ear-pressure dynamics, reducing drainage from the middle ear. Bottle feeding when the infant is lying down can allow milk to reflux toward the Eustachian tube, creating a favorable environment for infection. Taken together, these factors directly raise the risk of developing otitis media. Exclusive breastfeeding, in contrast, is protective rather than a risk factor, and regular physical activity or adequate sleep are general health measures rather than specific contributors to otitis media risk.

Risks for otitis media in children include environmental and feeding practices that affect the function of the Eustachian tube. Exposure to tobacco smoke irritates the upper airway and impairs normal mucociliary clearance, increasing the likelihood of fluid buildup and infection in the middle ear. Pacifier use is linked to higher risk as it can alter swallowing and ear-pressure dynamics, reducing drainage from the middle ear. Bottle feeding when the infant is lying down can allow milk to reflux toward the Eustachian tube, creating a favorable environment for infection. Taken together, these factors directly raise the risk of developing otitis media.

Exclusive breastfeeding, in contrast, is protective rather than a risk factor, and regular physical activity or adequate sleep are general health measures rather than specific contributors to otitis media risk.