Ear infection and obesity - What is the connection?
As children, we all would have experienced ear infections every now and then. Even though ear infections can be observed in many children, they are prevalent in adults too. By causing perforation of the eardrum, mastoiditis, meningitis, hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, and possibly, and Meniere's disease, ear infections can be a painful rite of passage to pass through. And, now there is another addition to this list - Obesity, particularly in children.
New medical researchers confirm that prolonged or unattended ear infections can cause obesity by influencing the child’s food preferences negatively after damaging the taste nerves. This will further lead to obesity and its complications as the child ages. Stay with us as we help you find out more about the connection between the ear infections and obesity in children.
Ear infections and obesity - What is the connection?
Have you ever lost the sense of taste when you are sick? Losing the taste sense is quite common whenever the sensory organs get sick. When the health issue is addressed, the sense is restored.
Ear infections are suspected to influence and even damage the most important taste nerves beyond repair in some of the chronic conditions. It is believed so because the taste nerves pass through these ear canals to the brain. Showing the effect of tonsillectomies (which damages the taste nerve that passes through the throat), many researches have conceded that the chronic ear infections are behind the obesity in children.
What exactly the research says?
"Middle ear infection is a common childhood disease and obesity is a growing problem worldwide," says Linda Bartoshuk, PhD, of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Concreting Dr Bartoshuk’s comments, many series of studies have addressed this while confirming the connection.
In another attempt, John Hayes, PhD, from Brown University, in collaboration with University of Connecticut, found solid associations between ear infections, taste nerves, food choices, and obesity. The study was conducted on preschoolers with a history of chronic ear infections. The other batch includes children who have no or minimal history of ear infections.
Children with a severe history of infection have preferred to eat sweet and high fat foods and fewer vegetables. Dr. Hayes confirms that the results suggest that the taste nerve damage influences the food choices.
What causes ear infections in children?
Be it acute or chronic, all types of ear infections in children need to be checked thoroughly by the qualified ENT specialist. An ear infection is a result of bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear. Medically known as otitis media (the complex sections of the ear located just behind the eardrum), can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe with the fluid buildup.
How to prevent ear infections in children?
Even though most of the ear infections are unpreventable, strengthening the immunity, adjusting the body to the outside temperature, and preventing exposure to the virus and bacteria can help you in beating ear infections. Let’s have a look into the ways you can prevent ear infections.
- Breastfeed: Ear infections can be prevented with stronger antibodies. Breastfeeding for at least 6 to 12 months greatly enhances your baby’s immunity.
- Vaccination: Ensure your baby gets all the prescribed vaccinations without fail. Besides the healthy diet, vaccines give that extra edge for your baby to fight diseases and infections.
- Carefully bottle feed: If you are bottle feeding your baby, ensure you hold your baby in an upright position so that the fluid does not enter into the Eustachian tubes.
- Take care of the environment: Provide your baby a germ-free and healthy environment. Take all the necessary measures to prevent bugs and mosquitoes from the reach of your baby.
- Be prepared for the weather conditions: Changing weather conditions mean that the body needs the much-needed protection to prevent cold and other infections. Tuck in your baby with warm clothing’s and tidy sheets.
