Which of the following is a risk factor for acute otitis media in children?

Acute otitis media, or AOM, is an infection of the middle ear, which is particularly common in infants and young children. One significant risk factor for developing AOM is being under six months of age. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to their still-developing immune systems and anatomical features that predispose them to ear infections, such as shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes. These tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and can more easily become blocked, leading to fluid accumulation and increasing the risk of infection.

Additionally, children under six months are often less exposed to environmental factors that may lower their risk (such as breastfeeding, which offers protective antibodies) and are still reliant on their immunological development to combat infections effectively. Understanding these factors is crucial for preventing AOM and managing the health of infants.