Ear infections in children are related to the smell of secondhand smoke

A recent report from Perth charity sponsoring child health research has found that there is a close association between childhood ear infections and cigarette smoke.

(Photo: medicineworld.org)

The family of 100 Aboriginal children and 180 non-Aboriginal children participated in the medical research work on ear infections between Kalgoorlie, allowing social, demographic and environmental data to be collected. and biology to study the causes of middle ear infections. These children have regular ear exams from birth to age 2.

Dr. Deborah Lehmann - the lead researcher leading the research on infectious diseases of the hospital - said that ear infections are the most common reason babies go to the doctor and can lead to long-term problems.

Mr. Lehmann said: 'Up to 20% of children have more than 3 ear infections from 1 to 2 years old. If their hearing is broken, it can seriously affect educational outcomes and social situations in adulthood. '

'In Aboriginal children, these ear infections typically start at a younger age, are much more common and may be deaf'. The main results of this study include:

· Middle ear infections are least diagnosed in 74% of Aboriginal children and 45% of non-Aboriginal children.

· 64% of Aboriginal children and 40% of non-Aboriginal children live in smoke-free environments.

· If we exclude the possibility of exposure to tobacco smoke, we estimate that it can reduce ear infections by 27% in Aboriginal children and 16% in non-Aboriginal children.

· The impact of indoor smoke inhalation on ear infections will be reduced if children are sent to daycare facilities.

Lehmann said there is strong evidence that inhaling smoke can increase the risk of bacteria entering the airways and weakening the immune system.

She said: 'These results highlight the importance of reducing children's exposure to secondhand smoke, and this is especially important for Aboriginal people, where smoking and ear infections are prevalent. very high middle '.

'Although studies show that it is an effective way to improve initial development and educational outcomes for disadvantaged children, very few Aboriginal children are cared for properly. . Being able to reduce the burden on the cost of treating Abuse in Aboriginal children has increased the weight of calls for appropriate child care equipment. "

The results are published in the latest issue of the Australian medical journal.