Ear infections are common in babies and toddlers.
Your little one may develop an ear infection when a virus or bacteria infects and traps fluid behind theeardrum.
This extra fluid causes pain and bulging of the eardrum.
Igor Alecsander / Getty Images
Many ear infections resolve on their own.
When they dont, treatment usually includesantibioticsand over-the-counter pain medications.
Frequent ear infections may require the placement of ear tubes.
This takes place if the fluid behind the eardrum blocks sound transmission.
When hearing is affected, you may notice a change in your babys speech as well.
Fortunately, these changes are temporary and should resolve as the infection clears up.
Treatments
Treatment for your childs ear infection will depend on their age, size, and symptoms.
When Should You Call a Healthcare Provider?
If your child develops signs of an ear infection, call your healthcare provider.
Under 6 Months
Babies under 6 months with an ear infection are usually prescribed antibiotics.
Sometimes, a child will develop repeated ear infections until they are 5 or 6 years old.
In cases like this, a surgical procedure called amyringotomyandtympanostomytube placementmay be considered.
Your child will most likely start feeling better within a few days.
Prevention
Ear infections cannot always be prevented, but its possible to lower your babys risk.
Your healthcare provider will be able to examine your babys ears and prescribe an antibiotic if needed.
Other common signs to watch for include fever, difficulty feeding, trouble sleeping, and ear drainage.
Treatment for your babys ear infection will depend on their age and how severe the infection is.
Your pediatrician may recommend giving over-the-counter pain medication as needed and keeping an eye on it.
It is tough for any parent to tell the difference between teething and an ear infection.
Both conditions cause your baby to be upset, have trouble eating, and tug at their ears.
Its helpful to remember that most babies develop an ear infection after a cold or another upper respiratory infection.
Ear infections usually cause more pain when your child lies down as well.
Teething can happen at any time and is often accompanied by drooling.
Call your pediatrician if youre not sure what is causing your babys discomfort.
To soothe your babys ear infection, talk with your pediatrician about over-the-counter pain medications.
Avoid giving your baby aspirin since this can cause Reyes syndrome.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children, babies & toddlers.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ear infection symptoms.
2019 Sep 18;19(1):339. doi: 10.1186/s12887-019-1693-2
Seattle Children’s.Ear infection questions.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infections in babies and toddlers.
Nemours KidsHealth.Ear tube surgery.
2014 Sep;134(1):13-20. doi:10.1542/peds.2014-0646D
