Pacifier use linked to ear infections 6-20-08

Parents should avoid using a Pacifier in infants who are prone to ear infections, research suggests.

In a five-year study of almost 500 Dutch children, researchers found almost double the risk of recurrent ear infections in those who used a pacifier.

Writing in the Family Practice journal they said doctors should advise parents of the risk.

Scientifically known as acute otitis media, ear infections are very common in young children.

Antibiotics do not generally work and the infection tends clear on its own within a few days but some children are prone to repeated bouts.

The researchers from University Medical Center, Utrecht said some studies before had found a link between pacifier use and ear infections but they had not been very accurate.

Their research followed 476 children aged under four years, 216 of whom used a pacifier.

There was a 90% increased risk of recurrent ear infections in those who sucked a pacifier compared with those who did not.

Susceptibility

The researchers said results suggested that the first infection may increase susceptibility to future ear infections.

And using a pacifier may allow bacteria to more easily migrate from secretions in the nose to the middle ear, they suggested.

Study leader, Dr Maroeska Rovers, said: "Pediatricians and GPs can use this information in their daily practice - they can dissuade parents from using a pacifier once their child has been diagnosed with acute otitis media to avoid recurrent episodes."

Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of GPs said there had been previous studies but they had not been put together very well.

"This is a very useful piece of research that shows use of pacifiers in children under the age of four who have a history of ear infections is not a good idea.

"There's no need to panic but - in those children - not using a pacifier is likely to prevent recurrence."

Comment:

Most often ear infections are caused by bottle feeding the infant in a laying down position. The infant should always be feed in a reclined sitting or sitting position. Research has shown that the milk can travel up the Eustachian tube and cause infections. The pacifier connection is made because more bottle fed babies you pacifiers than breast-fed.

Another concern when using a pacifier is the hormone disruptors in the pvc plastic. Rubber pacifiers are rarely seen because of latex allergy. Your best bet if you choose to use pacifiers is to get natural latex or natural silicone. Don't get anything colored, anti-bacterial or flavored. It is best to wean off the pacifier when you are weaning off the bottle.

My best advice is not to get started using them at all. Pacifiers are often used for the parent's benefit not the child's. Also if you are breastfeeding pacifiers cause nipple confusion. Since real nipple shape cannot be duplicated.

Another common problem is dirty or unsanitary pacifiers. If they are dropped or contaminated they need to be properly sterilized before using again. One quick way is sanitizer gel but make sure it has dried. Pacifiers should be sterilized along with your boiling bottles.