Received this from a friend and thought it might be of interest. Reinforces
breastfeeding as a preventive strategy at the end.   KKG

<< From BABYCENTER PRENATAL WEB MONITOR FOR THE WEEK OF 12/13/99
Ear Infections May Be Hereditary
Is your baby prone to ear infections? They could run in the family, according
to a new study in the December 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical
Association.

While studying the incidence of ear infections in twins and triplets, doctors
at the Otitis Media Research Center at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
made a surprising discovery: The chance that one sibling in an identical set
would have an ear infection at some point after his sibling did was about 60
percent. With fraternal siblings, the chance was about 30 percent.

This possible link between genetics and ear infections may help doctors treat
ear infections before they become a recurring problem in families with more
than one child. Most children will get one or two ear infections during
childhood; they are usually treated with antibiotics.

Aside from genetics, several other factors can increase the risk of ear
infections, including allowing your child to drink his bottle lying down and
exposing him to cigarette smoke. Children under 1 year of age who spend time
in group daycare -- where they're exposed to more colds -- are also more at
risk.

What's the best way to prevent an ear infection? Breastfeed. Breastfed babies
have up to 50 percent fewer ear infections than formula drinkers. >>

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