hronic middle ear infection is a very common medical condition affecting young children.

Middle ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses that causes them to visit a physician, says Dr. Leonard Rybak, professor of otolaryngology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. Nearly two-thirds of children in the U.S. will have one episode of middle ear infection by age 1. And three out of four children will have this infection by age 3. Dr. Rybak explains some symptoms of a child’s ear infection.

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Dr. Rybak adds that if the eardrum ruptures, drainage will be coming out of the ear. Ear infections often start as a cold or upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. He recommends some treatments.

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A child who has symptoms of ear infection should be seen by a primary care physician or pediatrician for diagnosis and possible treatment before the problem becomes serious.