Are Your Child’s Recurring Ear Infections Caused by Allergies? They Might Be!

It is not at all uncommon for a child to suffer from a recurring ear infection. In fact, more than 30 million doctor room visits each year are due to ear infections. What many parents do not realize is that there is a link between recurring ear infections and food allergies in kids. Keep reading to learn more about that link and then contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 if you need to schedule food allergy testing.

The Connection Between Ear Infections and Food Allergies

The link is fairly simple: When food allergies are present, there is often excess mucus in the ear membranes and nasal passages. If a child is allergic to a specific food, such as eggs, milk, or corn, they might have a mild allergic reaction and their mucus membranes may be overwhelmed trying to protect their body from allergens. This can cause inflammation which then causes imbalance in the ear canal – and this results in recurring ear infections.

Ear Infections Are the Second Most Common Reason for Parents to Take Their Child to the Doctor

Ear infections are so common that they are actually the second most common reason for a parent to take their child to the doctor. For this reason, it can be difficult for a doctor to make the connection between the child’s potential food allergy and the ear infection they came in to get treatment for. This is why you should know the signs of food allergies and make an appointment with Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 if you suspect your child has one.

Common Signs of Food Allergies

When most people think of food allergies, they think of very dangerous ones that are obvious. The truth is that most food allergies are actually very mild and not noticeable. It is common for symptoms of food allergies to be attributed to other things, such as colds, sensitivity to detergents, or regular old hay fever. Some of the most common signs of food allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Itchy skin
• Ear infections
• Hives
• Throat infections

If you notice these regularly, start writing down the foods your child eats and then match up what they eat with when they experience symptoms. Write down how long the symptoms last.

Your Child’s Ear Infection Might Have Nothing to Do with Allergies

Of course, not all ear infections have anything to do with food allergies, but if you have been trying to find treatment and have come up empty, it is a worthy issue to pursue. You can contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to make an appointment with an experienced, compassionate allergist who is ready to help your child breathe more easily. `