Mega Doctor News
Ear infections, or acute otitis media, are among the most common childhood illnesses in the United States.
More than 80% of children experience at least one ear infection by age 3, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with these infections accounting for approximately 30 million pediatric clinic visits each year.
“Kids are especially prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are smaller, more horizontal and still developing,” says Santos Cantu, MD, a pediatrician who serves as the medical director of the emergency departmentat South Texas Health System Children’s. “Their ear tubes are tiny and not angled enough yet, so fluid can get trapped easily. As they get older and those structures mature, ear infections usually become much less common.”
Most ear infections occur in children between 6 months and 4 years old and often develop following a cold, according to the CDC.
Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability, trouble sleeping, and fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Treatment may involve pain management, watchful waiting or antibiotics, and many ear infections resolve on their own within a few days.
“If ear infections are not properly diagnosed or treated, they can lead to serious complications such as permanent hearing loss, speech delays, a ruptured eardrum or the spread of infection to nearby structures,” says Dr. Cantu.“Recognizing the first signs of an ear infection is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their child’s health. Prompt attention helps ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.”
To help parents and caregivers better understand the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options associated with ear infections, South Texas Health System Children’s will dedicate its upcoming Let’s Talk Children’s Healthwebinar to this important topic.
Broadcast live via the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature a healthcare professional who will provide expert guidance on identifying, managing and preventing ear infections in children, equipping families with practical knowledge to support their child’s health.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’sTalk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Ear Infection” |
| When: | Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages |
