Parents should avoid giving their infant a dummy if they are prone to ear infections.
That's the opinion of scientists from University Medical Center, Utrecht writing in the Family Practice journal.
In a five year study the researchers found almost double the risk of recurrent ear infection - known as otitis media - in infants that used a dummy. The study observed 476 infants, of which 216 regularly used a dummy.
There was a 90% increased risk of recurrent ear infections in those who sucked a dummy compared with those who did not.
The researchers suggest that use of a dummy may facilitate the migration of bacteria from the nose to the middle ear, thus heightening the risk of infection.
Lead researcher, Dr Maroeska Rovers, said: "Paediatricians and GPs can use this information in their daily practice - they can dissuade parents from using a pacifier once their child has been diagnosed with acute otitis media to avoid recurrent episodes."
Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "This is a very useful piece of research that shows use of dummies in children under the age of four who have a history of ear infections is not a good idea.
"There's no need to panic but - in those children - not using a dummy is likely to prevent recurrence."
That's the opinion of scientists from University Medical Center, Utrecht writing in the Family Practice journal.
In a five year study the researchers found almost double the risk of recurrent ear infection - known as otitis media - in infants that used a dummy. The study observed 476 infants, of which 216 regularly used a dummy.
There was a 90% increased risk of recurrent ear infections in those who sucked a dummy compared with those who did not.
The researchers suggest that use of a dummy may facilitate the migration of bacteria from the nose to the middle ear, thus heightening the risk of infection.
Lead researcher, Dr Maroeska Rovers, said: "Paediatricians and GPs can use this information in their daily practice - they can dissuade parents from using a pacifier once their child has been diagnosed with acute otitis media to avoid recurrent episodes."
Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "This is a very useful piece of research that shows use of dummies in children under the age of four who have a history of ear infections is not a good idea.
"There's no need to panic but - in those children - not using a dummy is likely to prevent recurrence."
