Ear infections are the most common illness in infants and young children.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

5 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that ear infections are the most common illness in infants and young children?

Yes. Ear infections (otitis media) are widely documented as one of the most common illnesses experienced by infants and young children.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 5 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The analysis

The claim is specific, empirical, and falsifiable, passing Step 0 easily. Multiple provided papers directly support the notion that otitis media is among the most frequent illnesses in infants and young children, second only to general upper respiratory infections. There are no papers contradicting this established epidemiological fact.

Evidence for · 5

Otitis Media in Infants and Children

1980

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Paradise, J. L. (1980). Otitis Media in Infants and Children. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.65.5.917

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More for · 4

Global burden of disease 2021: particulate matter pollution-attributable burden of upper respiratory infections, otitis media, and lower respiratory infections.

2026

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C, W., Y, T., & Y, W. (2026). Global burden of disease 2021: particulate matter pollution-attributable burden of upper respiratory infections, otitis media, and lower respiratory infections.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1666976

Prevalence and Global Distribution of Bacterial Species Associated with Acute Otitis Media in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

2026

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HO, K., S, H., SH, L., YJ, O., JM, L., YJ, K., MK, S., SS, K., JW, C., & SG, Y. (2026). Prevalence and Global Distribution of Bacterial Species Associated with Acute Otitis Media in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15050463

Extreme heat and risk of pediatric emergency department visits: a time-stratified time-series analysis.

2026

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CRS, H., D, W., C, W. C., A, D., S, D., J, R., A, B., F, S., L, G., T, E., M, B., J, R., T, B., I, K., & KE, Z. (2026). Extreme heat and risk of pediatric emergency department visits: a time-stratified time-series analysis.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-026-05381-x

Epidemiological Burden of Otitis Media Among U.S. Males: Trends, Risk Factors, and Public Health Implications.

2026

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H, F., W, W., W, H., Z, T., Z, D., L, H., & J, S. (2026). Epidemiological Burden of Otitis Media Among U.S. Males: Trends, Risk Factors, and Public Health Implications.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883261465989

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