Question
What could be the reason for a child to have a fever without cold symptoms?
Answer
The nasal pharynx and ear are connected in normal individuals. Children have shorter and wider eustachian tubes that are positioned horizontally. When upper respiratory infections occur, pathogens can easily pass through the eustachian tube to the middle ear, causing acute inflammation. Additionally, coughing or improper ear cleaning during breastfeeding may also lead to otitis media. In some cases, sepsis can also be a cause of otitis media. Common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.