Final answer:
Infants and young children are at higher risk for ear infections due to shorter and shallower eustachian tubes, more upper respiratory infections, and habits like lying down and bottle feeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infants and young children are at higher risk for ear infections due to various factors. Their eustachian tubes are shorter and drain at a shallower angle, making it easier for fluid and bacteria to accumulate in the middle ear. Additionally, children have more upper respiratory infections, which can lead to blockage and fluid buildup. Young children also spend more time lying down and bottle feeding, which further increases the risk of fluid and bacteria moving from the nasopharynx to the middle ear. These factors contribute to the higher incidence of ear infections in infants and young children.
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