Breastfeeding and infant acute otitis media: A comprehensive analytical study

Abstract

Significance of the study acute otitis media (AOM) is an infection of the middle ear usually caused by a complication of viral infection in the upper respiratory tract 1. The interaction of virus and bacteria plays an important role in the development of AOM and in the latter case can be treated with antibiotics . Due to limited space in the middle ear and relatively poor drainage through the Eustachian tube, especially in young children, AOM is often accompanied by significant pain and other characteristics including fever, acute loss of hearing and general lethargy. The factors currently identified as associated with a reduced risk of AOM include breastfeeding, avoidance of in utero and childhood passive tobacco smoke exposure, and avoidance of indoor air pollution. Evidence from the literature supports a reduction in AOM risk from breastfeeding. However, there has been no recent comprehensive analytical review, particularly addressing issues related to the effect of duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding on the risk of AOM. Therefore, we aimed to study the relation between Breastfeeding and acute otitis media.