How common is ear infection?
Ear infection is the most common problem doctors see in young children.
- Each year in the United States, more than 30 million visits to the doctor are related to ear infections.1
- By the time they are 1 year old, 6 in 10 children have had at least one ear infection.2
- By the age of 3 years, 8 in 10 children have had at least one ear infection.3
- Most ear infections happen to children under the age of 2 years.4
Sources for the information on this page:
- Rothman R, Owens T, Simel DL. Does this child have acute otits media? Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003; 290: 1633-1640.
- Rosenfeld R, Bluestone C. Evidence based otitis media. BC Decker, St. Louis, U.S.A.; 1999.
- Ruuskanen O, Heikkinen T. Otitis media: etiology and diagnosis. The Pediatric infectious disease journal. 1994; 13 (supplement): S23-S26.
- Marcy M, Takata G, Shekelle P. Management of acute otitis media. May 2001. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence report/technology assessment 15. Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat (accessed on 21 April 2008).
This information was last updated in Jul 25, 2008
 |
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
