Otitis Media News and Research

RSS

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood disease with important ramifications to the overall health of infants and young children. The peak incidence of AOM occurs at 6 to 18 months of age, but it can also occur in older children. Complications of AOM include persistent middle ear effusion, chronic otitis media, transient hearing loss, or speech delays.

Air quality in infancy may fundamentally shape long-term immune development

Ambient air pollution is associated with respiratory infection burden in the first year of life, according to preliminary findings from the Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) Rome Cohort. Findings from the cohort will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting, taking place April 24-27 in Boston.

24 Apr 2026

Hidden viral reservoirs in tonsils may explain school-year respiratory outbreaks

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil reveals that tissues such as the tonsils and adenoids can serve as hiding places for the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold and is responsible for most respiratory infections worldwide.

17 Apr 2026

Swimming in treated pools safe for children with tympanostomy tubes

A new study published in Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that children with tympanostomy tubes who swim in treated pools are not at increased risk of ear drainage, while those exposed to untreated or natural bodies of water face significantly higher odds of developing recurrent otorrhea.

30 Mar 2026

Why measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases worldwide

This review synthesizes current evidence on measles virus biology, immune responses, complications, treatments, and prevention strategies. It highlights how measles can suppress immune memory, increasing susceptibility to other infections, and underscores vaccination as the most effective control measure.

4 Mar 2026

SIRT3 deficiency worsens eustachian tube dysfunction during middle-ear infection

Middle-ear infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria remain among the most common pediatric illnesses worldwide.

9 Dec 2025

COVID-19 vaccination may have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, may experience fewer infections and allergic complications if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to new research being presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.

6 Nov 2025

Gut bacteria in mothers and newborns may shape infants’ risk of early respiratory infections

Finnish researchers found that differences in maternal and infant gut microbiota during the first weeks of life were linked to the risk of respiratory tract infections in the first six months. Specific bacteria, including butyrate producers and opportunistic pathogens, may shape early infection susceptibility.

21 Aug 2025

Routine vaccines may be the key to fighting antibiotic resistance

A study reveals that rising vaccine coverage in children is linked to reduced antibiotic prescriptions, suggesting a shift in the fight against drug resistance.

16 Jul 2025

An Arm and a Leg: Why ‘The Pitt’ is our fave new drama

People who work in real-life emergency rooms have raved about how the new TV drama "The Pitt" accurately captures the complex dynamics of their workplaces and the medical details of their cases

5 May 2025

Telehealth in pediatric primary care linked to responsible antibiotic use

Children treated with primary care telehealth visits were less likely to receive antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections than those examined in person, according to a new study.

25 Apr 2025

Why measles is back in the U.S. and what doctors must know now

Measles is making a troubling comeback in the U.S., driven by declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy. Pediatric infectious disease experts provide clinical guidance to help healthcare providers recognize, manage, and prevent measles in today’s outbreak-prone environment.

14 Apr 2025

Early infections in childhood drive long-term health risks

Early childhood infections significantly increase the risk of severe infections and antibiotic use later in childhood, highlighting the importance of early prevention and monitoring.

8 Jan 2025

Study reveals underuse of antivirals for children hospitalized with influenza

Despite national medical guidelines supporting the use of antiviral medications in young children diagnosed with influenza, a recent study reports an underuse of the treatment.

17 Dec 2024

Study provides insights into trends and disparities of neonatal infectious diseases in LMICs

Researchers from Peking University have conducted an in-depth study on the epidemic status, secular trends, and risk factors of 15 common neonatal infectious diseases across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 1990 to 2019.

19 Nov 2024

First-generation antihistamine drugs could increase seizure risk among young children

Research indicates first-generation antihistamines may elevate seizure risk in young children, highlighting the need for careful prescription practices.

30 Aug 2024

Unraveling typical disease trajectories in multimorbid patients from birth to death

In a recent study published in npj Digital Medicine, Complexity Science Hub researchers analyzed a comprehensive dataset of 44 million hospital stays in Austria.

7 Mar 2024

AI Tool Boosts Diagnosis Accuracy of Ear Infections in Children, Study Finds

Researchers developed and validated an automated classifier for diagnosing acute otitis media (AOM) in children.

6 Mar 2024

AI smartphone app shows promise in diagnosing ear infections in children

A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately diagnose ear infections, or acute otitis media (AOM), could help decrease unnecessary antibiotic use in young children, according to new research published today in JAMA Pediatrics.

4 Mar 2024

Passive smoking associated with significant increases in the risk of nine health outcomes including lung and breast cancer

Researchers assess and quantify the adverse health effects of second-hand smoke exposure.

12 Jan 2024

Chronic ear infections linked to lasting brain and language deficits in children

Ear infections are a common childhood experience, but a new study suggests parents should take these infections seriously to preserve their children's language development.

4 Jan 2024