<s>[INST] What might it mean if an older child has recurrent ear infections?  [/INST] Younger children are more predisposed to ear infections because of issues with poor eustachian dysfunction (the tube that drains the ear to the back of the throat), and relatively reduced immune systems. Both issues mature over time as the child ages. Certain syndromes, like Down syndrome, and craniofacial issues, like a cleft palate, may predispose children to fluid in the middle ear space, called otitis media with effusion. Children who are immunocompromised may be at higher risk for infections, including ear infections. Source: LURIE CHILDRENS.ORG. Link: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/ear-infections-in-older-children-faq/. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>