This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription has been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.
All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.
We hear it all the time, old wives' tales about triggers for colds and ear infections. We'll tackle the top three today on The Scope.
Fact: Teething Does Not Cause Ear Infections
Some parents think teething causes ear infections. Nope. Teething causes gum swelling, babies to drool and chew on things and eventually, a tooth to appear. But teething just happens to occur around the same time that babies and toddlers are more prone to ear infections. The two aren't connected.
Fact: Wet Hair Does Not Cause a Cold or Ear Infection
Another very popular old wives' tale is that if you go outside with wet hair if it's cold or windy, you'll get a cold or an ear infection. The only thing your child will get if they go outside with wet hair is a cold head.
Colds are caused by viruses and ear infections are caused by bacteria. Colds are more common when it's fall and winter when the temperatures dip and it gets blustery, and ear infections are a common complication of colds. Research has discovered that there is some truth to the myth that being out in the cold actually makes a person more susceptible to viruses. When the nasal tissue drops just 9 degrees, the immune response can drop by almost half, explaining why we are more prone to catching certain viruses during wintertime. But your child's hair moisture status is not a factor.
Fact: Sleeping With the Window Open Will Not Cause a Cold
Lastly, sleeping with the window open or the fan on causes a cold. Again, colds are caused by viruses, not the air circulation of your bedroom. Your body may get cold, but you won't get sick.
updated: January 8, 2024
originally published: September 5, 2016
More Answers to Your Questions on Keeping Your Kid Healthy and Happy
Latest trends and issues in children's health on the Healthy Kids Zone with Dr. Cindy Gellner
When Does Your Child Really Need Lab Work?
Parents often ask about blood tests during routine pediatric visits, but pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies that healthy children rarely need them. She shares some of the criteria for screenings in young patients and how insurance factors into decision-making.
What to Do When Your Baby Sounds Congested
Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either—so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, shares what is normal when it comes to newborn sneezing and snorting, how to use saline and suction safely, and when to check in with your pediatrician.
Understanding Childhood Mood Disorders Beyond Bipolar
Is your child often irritable or prone to temper outbursts? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, clarifies the distinctions between bipolar disorder and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis in childhood mood disorders.
