how do i know if baby has an ear infection

Signs It's an Ear Infection

• Pain in the ear: Ear infections are painful, so your infant or toddler's tears or increased irritability may be a symptom.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep: This is due to the pain from pressure building in the ears. ...
• Fever: A sign that her immune system is at work fighting off infection, your child's temperature may range from 99 F. ...

More items...

Full Answer

When should I suspect my baby's ear infection?

A parent should suspect an ear infection when a child becomes ill with fever, is irritable, and usually complains of pain in the ear. Many children who develop ear infections will first have colds. However, ear pain can be caused by other problems, such as a sore throat, without an ear infection.

How do you check for an ear infection?

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.

What can you do for a baby with an ear infection?

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the ear infection. Children under 6 months are usually given an antibiotic. If your child is over 6 months old and the symptoms are mild, antibiotics may not be needed. Your doctor may also recommend medicines to help with fever or pain.

How do babies act when they have an ear infection?

Parents might spot other symptoms, such as earaches, ear drainage, trouble hearing or sleeping, ear tugging, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. But "for many children, it's just fussiness, crying more than usual, being clingy," Shu says.

Do infant ear infections go away on their own?

Most ear infections go away without the use of antibiotics. Symptoms typically improve after a couple of days, with full recovery after one to two weeks. However, call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after a day or two.

Will ear infection go away on its own?

Ear infections are less common in grown children and adults, but they can still happen. Ear infections often go away on their own and don't need medical attention.

Can teething cause ear infection?

Teething pain can look a lot like an ear infection in a baby. This is because the nerves around the teeth and mouth go all the way to the ears. One difference is that an ear infection usually happens during or right after your baby has a cold or the flu and may be accompanied by a fever.

What is the difference between teething and ear infection?

While teething occurs in your baby's oral cavity and an ear infection occurs in their ear, they both have similar symptoms. An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled area right behind the eardrum. They're quite prevalent in children, and common symptoms include: Ear pain.

Can getting water in a baby's ear cause an ear infection?

Water in the ear canal can lead to swimmer's ear, an infection in the ear canal. However, if a child has intact ear drums, it should not lead to middle ear infection.

When should I take my child to the doctor for an earache?

Call Your Doctor If:Fever lasts more than 2 days on antibiotics.Ear pain becomes severe or crying becomes nonstop.Ear pain lasts more than 3 days on antibiotics.Ear discharge is not better after 3 days on antibiotics.You think your child needs to be seen.Your child becomes worse.

Does giving a baby a bottle lying down cause ear infections?

Children who are bottlefed and who swallow milk while lying down. Milk can enter the eustachian tube, which increases the risk for an ear infection.

How do you check for an ear infection at home?

If your child is older than 12 months, pull the outer ear gently up and back. (If they're younger than 12 months, pull the outer ear gently straight back.) This will straighten the ear canal and make it easier to see inside.

What an ear infection feels like?

The symptoms of an ear infection in adults are: Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain) A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal. A feeling of fullness in the ear.

How do adults know if they have an ear infection?

SymptomsEar pain, especially when lying down.Tugging or pulling at an ear.Trouble sleeping.Crying more than usual.Fussiness.Trouble hearing or responding to sounds.Loss of balance.Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher.More items...•

What are the symptoms of an inner ear infection in adults?

Symptoms of Inner Ear InfectionVertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving around even when everything is still.Having trouble balancing or walking normally.Dizziness.Nausea or vomiting.Problems with your hearing.Feeling like the ear is full or blocked.Tinnitus or ringing in your ears.More items...

Why do my ears get infected?

Ear infections are caused by a bacteria or virus and lead to fluid buildup in the eustachian tubes, which prevents them from draining normally from the middle ear. Ear infections often occur when a child has a cold, sinus infection or allergies.

Why do children get ear infections?

Children between the ages of six months and two years old are more prone to ear infections than older children and adults because of their undeveloped immune system and the size and shape of their eustachian tubes. Ear infections are caused by a bacteria or virus and lead to fluid buildup in the eustachian tubes, ...

What to do if your child has an ear infection that doesn't go away?

If your child displays the symptoms of an ear infection that don’t go away, schedule an appointment to see his or her primary care physician. Find a Pediatrician Near You.

How long does it take for ear infections to go away?

Most ear infections go away without the use of antibiotics. Symptoms typically improve after a couple of days, with full recovery after one to two weeks. However, call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after a day or two. Your doctor will advise you on a treatment plan or prescribe an antibiotic to help heal the infection.

Why does fluid build up in the middle of my ear?

Fluid builds up and sits in the middle ear when a child has an ear infection, which may cause a temporary loss of hearing. For infants and toddlers who are unable to speak, they may be unresponsive to sounds. Older children may ask “what?” more frequently throughout the duration of their ear infection.

Why do babies pull their ears?

Children may tug at their ears for many reasons, and one of these reasons could be an ear infection. Ear infections cause ear pain and discomfort, and in an attempt to alleviate the pain, children will pull on their ear. Babies under the age of one might hit their ear because they have difficulty locating and connecting the pain to the ear.

Why do kids cry?

Crying more than usual. Due to pain and pressure caused by ear infections, a child may cry, fuss or be more irritable than usual. While more crying could be a sign of any number of problems, be on alert for additional symptoms that could signal an ear infection.

What is an ear infection?

Also called otitis media, an ear infection refers to inflammation or infection of the middle ear (the little air-filled pocket behind the eardrum).

How common are ear infections in children?

Ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses in children in the United States. A large study found that 23 percent of babies had at least one ear infection by their first birthday, and more than half had at least one ear infection by age 3.

Can ear tubes help with repeated ear infections?

Possibly. Doctors vary on whether ear tubes should be used for recurrent ear infections because there isn't much research on their effectiveness, and the available data is inconclusive. According to the AAP, "More and better controlled studies of [ear] tube placement would help determine its benefit versus harm."

Are ear infections in babies and children ever serious?

A severe or untreated infection can rupture your child's eardrum. Ruptures don't happen very often and generally heal quickly, but it's important to follow up with your child's doctor to make sure the infection has cleared up and the eardrum is healing well.

Why are babies more prone to ear infections?

Babies are more prone to ear infections because they have short (about 1/2 inch) horizontal eustachian tubes. As children grow to adulthood, their tubes triple in length and become more vertical, allowing fluid to drain more easily. © Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source.

How long does it take for ear infections to clear up?

For most other children, doctors recommend a wait-and-see approach for two to three days, because ear infections usually clear up on their own.

What does it mean when a baby is fussy?

If your baby gets fussy or starts crying more than usual, be on the lookout for a problem. If she develops a fever (whether slight or high), you have another big clue. Ear infections tend to follow a common cold or sinus infection, so keep that in mind too. You may also notice the following symptoms:

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media (OM).

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

There are three main types of ear infections. Each has a different combination of symptoms.

How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?

Most ear infections happen to children before they’ve learned how to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” here are a few things to look for:

Why are children more likely than adults to get ear infections?

There are several reasons why children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

How does a doctor diagnose a middle ear infection?

Has your child had a head cold or sore throat recently? Is he having trouble sleeping? Is she pulling at her ears? If an ear infection seems likely, the simplest way for a doctor to tell is to use a lighted instrument, called an otoscope, to look at the eardrum. A red, bulging eardrum indicates an infection.

How is an acute middle ear infection treated?

Your doctor also may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or eardrops, to help with fever and pain. (Because aspirin is considered a major preventable risk factor for Reye’s syndrome, a child who has a fever or other flu-like symptoms should not be given aspirin unless instructed to by your doctor.)

What happens if my child keeps getting ear infections?

To keep a middle ear infection from coming back, it helps to limit some of the factors that might put your child at risk, such as not being around people who smoke and not going to bed with a bottle. In spite of these precautions, some children may continue to have middle ear infections, sometimes as many as five or six a year. Your doctor may want to wait for several months to see if things get better on their own but, if the infections keep coming back and antibiotics aren’t helping, many doctors will recommend a surgical procedure that places a small ventilation tube in the eardrum to improve air flow and prevent fluid backup in the middle ear. The most commonly used tubes stay in place for six to nine months and require follow-up visits until they fall out.

What Causes Ear Infections in Babies?

Ear infections, medically known as acute otitis media, are infections of the middle part of the ear. They are caused by either a viral infection ( like the common cold) or a bacterial infection. These infections cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, as well as inflammation. In some cases, the eustachian tubes (the small tubes between the nose and middle ear) show signs of infection as well.

Why does my baby keep tugging on my ear?

Many parents will notice their baby tugging on their ear or simply acting fussy and assume that they have an ear infection. However, while ear tugging and fussiness are sometimes signs of ear infections, they can also be the signs of teething, or just general crankiness.

Why are babies more prone to ear infections?

The reason babies and young children are more prone to ear infections include: Babies’ ear passages are different than adults: they are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal in orientation. Babies are more likely to get colds and other viruses, which make them more prone to ear infections.

What happens if a doctor thinks your baby has an ear infection?

If your doctor thinks your baby may have an ear infection, they will certainly examine your baby’s ear canal, but they will also likely look at other possible symptoms. Here’s what will happen during the visit: Your doctor will ask you what viral or infection symptoms your baby has had recently.

What is the name of the infection in the middle of the ear?

Ear infections, medically known as acute otitis media, are infections of the middle part of the ear. They are caused by either a viral infection (like the common cold) or a bacterial infection. These infections cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, as well as inflammation. In some cases, the eustachian tubes (the small tubes between ...

Why do babies pull their ears?

Pulling at the ears from pain. Fever (not all babies have fever with an ear infection, but many will have a fever between 100 degrees F and 104 degrees F) Decreased appetite due to fever, pain, or discomfort while swallowing or suckling. Digestive discomfort. Clumsiness due to ear balance issues.

How to prevent ear infection in newborn?

Reducing your baby’s exposure to secondhand smoke. Practicing good hygiene such as frequent hand washing to reduce the chances of your baby picking up a viral infection that may lead to an ear infection. Keeping up with your baby’s vaccines and getting an annual flu shot.

What is An Ear Infection?

Ear infection are medically known as, otitis media or otitis externa, and are one of the most common types of infections in babies and children. Infections of the outer, or inner ear are primarily caused by bacteria vs viruses or fungal infections.

How long does it take for ear infections to resolve?

As ear infections are very common in children the NHS recommends you don’t always need to see a GP straight away as they can resolve on their own within 3 days.

What is the function of the inner ear?

Ears are stato-acoustic organs. They are meant only for hearing but also maintain balance and coordination. The inner ear is the balancing center. Increased pressure in the inner ear lead to clumsiness, and difficulty in coordination. Alteration in inner ear pressure also causes dizziness, nausea, and the buzzing of the infected ear.

Why do babies pull their ears?

Among various reasons, an ear infection is one reason for babies tugging their ear. To alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced due to ear infection, many babies pull their ears. Many babies, especially under the age of one year, do not identify the exact location of the pain. Such babies hit their ears due to increased pressure.

Why does my child lose appetite after ear infection?

This may be due to multiple reasons. The pathogens may invade the gastrointestinal tract and upset the stomach causing diarrhea and vomiting. Increased ear pressures pose difficulty in chewing and swallowing of food. Feeling unwell is another reason for reduced appetite.

What does fever mean in a child?

Fever is a common symptom in a variety of conditions. A high body temeprature is the sign that the body is fighting against infection. Ear infection in the child raises the body temperature with a fever classified when the child’s temperature is measured at 38˚C (100.4˚F) or above.

Why does my baby sleep with an ear infection?

Although the baby may show signs of activeness throughout the day but becomes cranky and irritable when lying down for sleep. This is due to alteration of ear pressure in the middle ear while sleeping causing pain and uncomfortable feeling.

Does My Baby Have An Ear Infection

Take this quick quiz to find out just how much you know about ear infections.

How Do I Know If My Child Has An Ear Infection

Older children will usually complain of an earache. While younger children might not be able to say they have an earache, they may:

How Common Are Ear Infections In Babies And Toddlers

Most children get an ear infection in their first few years of life, most frequently between 6 months and 3 years of age. Moreover, 66 percent of children have had an ear infection by the time they turn 2 years old.

How To Use An Otoscope

Once you find the right size of specula, you must clean it and fit it well to the viewing end of this device. After this, switch on the instruments light.

How Do You Treat An Ear Infection In Children

In some instances, an ear infection in children might go away on its own. Many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to treat an ear infection, which usually needs to be taken for 7 to 10 days. To help with ear pain or fever, a doctor might also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or ear drops.

Infections Inside The Ear

Antibiotics are not usually offered because infections inside the ear often clear up on their own and antibiotics make little difference to symptoms, including pain.

S To Prevent Ear Infections

If your child has had several ear infections already, or you simply wish to lower their risk of getting ear infections in the first place, here are some ways to prevent or at least lessen the frequency and severity of ear infections:

What is the infection behind the eardrum?

Middle ear infections: A middle ear infection is an infection just behind the eardrum with pus trapped in the adjacent hollow cavity of the facial bone. Middle ear infections frequently are a complication of the common cold in children. Most middle ear infections are caused by viruses and will resolve spontaneously. Bacterial infections cause some middle ear infections, which requires antibiotic treatment.

What is the outer ear?

The outer ear includes the cartilaginous structure and ear canal ending at the eardrum .

What happens when fluid stays in the middle ear for a long time?

Chronic otitis media with effusion happens when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection. COME makes it harder for children to fight new infections and also can affect their hearing.

What is the most common ear infection?

Acute otitis media is the most common ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the earcommonly called an earache. Your child might also have a fever.

What does a doctor look for in a child's ear?

When your physician peeks in your child’s ear to check for signs of an infection, she’s looking at the eardrum to see if it is red, thick, or bulging.

What happens if a baby cries and tugs at his ear?

If your baby is fussy, cries more than usual, and tugs at their ear, they may have an ear infection. Five out of six children will have an ear infection before their 3rd birthday, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

How to know if your child has an ear infection?

The only way to be sure that your child has an ear infection is to visit your pediatrician. Take a baby younger than age 2 to the doctor if a cold and apparent discomfort don’t go away in two or three days, or if a fever doesn’t go away in one or two days.

How to see eardrum with otoscope?

The ear canal is sensitive, so don’t put pressure on the instrument or push it too far. Move the otoscope and the ear very gently until you can see the eardrum. Angle the viewing piece slightly toward your child's nose, so it follows the normal angle of the ear canal. The ear is very sensitive, so don't be rough.

How to keep otoscope from hurting?

Hold the otoscope at the handle with your pinky finger outstretched. When the instrument is in the ear canal, your pinky should rest on your child's cheek. This will keep it from going too far inside their ear canal and possibly hurting them.

How to straighten ear canal?

Turn on the instrument's light. If your child is older than 12 months, pull the outer ear gently up and back. (If they're younger than 12 months, pull the outer ear gently straight back.) This will straighten the ear canal and make it easier to see inside. Hold the otoscope at the handle with your pinky finger outstretched.

What is the tip of an otoscope called?

The otoscope comes with several pointed tips, called specula. Choose one that’s slightly smaller than the opening of your child's ear. If the ear hole is too small for the smallest tip, don’t try to check for an infection at home. Clean the speculum, unless you’re using disposable ones, and fit it to the viewing end of the otoscope.

How to tell if you have a swollen ear?

Here are some things to look for: 1 A red, bulging eardrum 2 Clear, yellow, or greenish fluid behind the eardrum. There may also be some blood. 3 Earwax buildup 4 A hole in the eardrum (perforated eardrum)

What to look for in a child's ear?

Here are some things to look for: A red, bulging eardrum. Clear, yellow, or greenish fluid behind the eardrum. There may also be some blood. Earwax buildup . A hole in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) If you notice any of these, or aren’t sure, call your child’s doctor.

Can a child's ear hurt?

The ear is very sensitive, so don't be rough. Children tend to wriggle or turn their heads to see what's going on, so be careful not to hurt the ear. Tell your child what you’re doing each step of the way. Ask them to tell you if it hurts so you can take the otoscope out right away.

How to tell if your ear is infected?

The telltale sign of an ear infection is pain in and around the ear. Young children can develop ear infections before they are old enough to talk. That means parents are often left guessing why their child appears to be suffering. When your child can't say "my ear hurts," the following signs suggest an ear infection could be the culprit: 1 Tugging or pulling the ear 2 Crying and irritability 3 Difficulty sleeping 4 Fever, especially in younger children 5 Fluid draining from the ear 6 Loss of balance 7 Difficulty hearing or responding to auditory cues

What is the most common ear infection?

The most common type of ear infection is otitis media, which results when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and parts of the middle ear become infected and swollen.

How to prevent ear infections in infants?

Consider breastfeeding: Breast milk contains antibodies that may help reduce the risk of ear infections and a host of other ailments. Whether you feed milk or formula, make sure your child sits up during feedings to prevent fluid from flowing into the middle ear.

How much more likely is secondhand smoke to cause ear infections?

Avoid secondhand smoke: Studies show that children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are up to three times more likely to develop ear infections than those who don't have those exposures.

Why can't my child say "my ear hurts"?

When your child can't say "my ear hurts," the following signs suggest an ear infection could be the culprit: Tugging or pulling the ear. Crying and irritability. Difficulty sleeping. Fever, especially in younger children.

How often do children get ear infections?

Unfortunately, some children suffer from recurrent ear infections, sometimes up to five or six a year. Kids who get repeated infections may benefit from a surgical procedure where doctors insert small tubes in the eardrums to improve air flow and prevent fluid buildup.

Can ear infections go away without treatment?

Ear Infection Treatments. Most ear infections go away without treatment. "If your child isn't in severe pain, your doctor may suggest a 'wait-and-see' approach coupled with over-the-counter pain relievers to see if the infection clears on its own," Tunkel says.

Causes

• An ear infection is caused by bacteria or a virus that infects and traps fluid in the middle ear. The infection usually starts out as a cold or upper respiratory infection. It can then spread to the middle ear by the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat; t…

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