·In one study of more than 2,500 children, the practice of giving a child a bottle in bed was the most important factor associated with persistent fluid in the middle ear.This is, in part, due to the horizontal position of the Eustachian tube, and the ease with which fluid backs up into the tube.

·When antibiotics are used at the beginning of an acute middle ear infection, the frequency of recurrent infections may be almost three times greater than if antibiotics are delayed or not used.

·Antibiotics have been shown not to affect the outcome of acute middle ear infection with regard to pain, fever, hearing, and healing time.

·There appears to be little difference in outcome of middle ear infections treated with a three-day course of antibiotic when compared with those treated with the typical ten-day course of antibiotic.

·Eardrum scarring with membrane thickening has been found to occur in over 40 percent of children receiving tubes compared with zero percent in those not receiving tubes.

·Many cases of chronic middle ear infection, even those with eardrum perforation, are due to allergy.

·In up to 70 percent of children with middle ear “infection” who do not respond to antibiotics, the middle ear fluid contains no harmful bacteria.

·Zinc deficient children suffer from more ear infections than those with normal zinc status.There is evidence that nutrition may play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of recurrent ear infections.

·The most common Allergy Causing Foods in Childhood Ear Infection

·Dairy products, including milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, cow’s milk formula, and ice cream.

·Wheat, including not only bread and cereal, but anything that contains wheat such as gravies, crackers, and cookies.

·Eggs or anything containing eggs.

·Chocolate.

·Citrus, especially oranges and orange juice.

·Corn, or anything containing corn, such as corn flakes.

·Soy.This is especially important with infant formula.Dr. William Crook states that 25 percent of infants with a milk allergy develop an allergy to soy.

·Peanuts and other nuts.Peanut butter is a great favorite among children and a frequent contributor to childhood health problems.

·Shellfish.

·Sugar.

·Yeast.