Question

Which of the following statements describes why children are more susceptible to otitis media compared to adults? To be marked correct, you'll need to select all applicable statements, as there may be more than one correct answer.

-Children have longer Eustachian tubes compared to adults.
- Children have less efficient drainage of fluid from the Eustachian tubes into the throat.
- Children have more vertical Eustachian tubes than adults.
- Children have narrower Eustachian tubes than adults.

Answer 1

Children are more susceptible to otitis media because they have less efficient drainage and narrower Eustachian tubes, which are also more horizontal compared to adults, leading to a greater risk of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Children are more susceptible to otitis media compared to adults due to several anatomical differences in their Eustachian tubes. The correct statements that describe these differences are:

• Children have less efficient drainage of fluid from the Eustachian tubes into the throat.
• Children have narrower Eustachian tubes than adults.
• Children have more horizontal Eustachian tubes compared to the more vertical position in adults, leading to poorer drainage.

The Eustachian tubes in children are shorter and have a shallower angle which makes it difficult for fluid to drain effectively. This can result in the accumulation of fluid and increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, the narrower and more horizontal position of the tubes in children can make it easier for pathogens to enter and become trapped, leading to infections like acute otitis media (AOM).