Expert Q & A with Dr. Rande Lazar on Protecting Children from Ear Infections

1. Expert Q & A with Dr. Rande
Lazar on Protecting Children
from Ear Infections

2. Question: Dr. Lazar, as a pediatric specialist
who treats ear, nose, and throat conditions,
can you advise parents on how to prevent
ear infections?

Dr. Lazar: Since bacteria and viruses cause
infections, limit your child’s exposure to
others sick with colds or the flu. Wash your
hands and your child’s hands, and sanitize
areas that your child touches frequently. Also,
monitor causes of allergies, which in turn
increase the amount of mucus in the ears,
which can lead to infection.

3. Question: I’ve heard that bottle-fed babies
have more ear infections than breast-fed
babies. Is that true?

Dr. Lazar: Yes. Breast-fed babies develop
fewer ear infections. One reason is
positioning. If mothers feed their babies from
a bottle, they should prop the baby in a sitting
position, with the head up, so that milk does
not flow into the ear, which can cause ear
infection.

4. Question: Are there any other actions that
parents can take to reduce ear infections in
children?

Dr. Lazar: Research indicates that children
exposed to second-hand smoke are two or
three times more likely to develop ear
infections. I urge parents to not smoke
around children.

5. About the Expert:

Dr. Rande Lazar is a board-qualified pediatric
otolaryngologist. Dr. Lazar presently practices
at ENT Memphis (www.entmemphis.com).
No need to send back for approval just
publish with that change.

6. About the Expert:

Dr. Rande Lazar is a board-qualified pediatric
otolaryngologist. Dr. Lazar presently practices
at ENT Memphis (www.entmemphis.com).
No need to send back for approval just
publish with that change.