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What Should I Do When My Baby Has an Ear Infection?

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Offers information on the causes, prevention, and management of symptoms associated with ear infections in babies, as well as information on potential complications.

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Infancy (<1), Toddlerhood (1-3)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/other_physical_psychosomatic/ear_infection_0_3_pt.html

Languages

English

What Should I Do When My Baby Has an Ear Infection?

What Should I Do When My Baby Has an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are quite common, but they can be very worrisome for parents because their child may be in pain. It is important to remember that you did not cause the infection> Ear infections are not contagious.

What is an ear infection and what causes it?

The ear drum is a thin covering over the area of the middle ear. Tiny bones behind the eardrum help to conduct sound and help you hear sounds. Normally this middle ear area is dry, and a passageway called the Eustachian tube helps to "vent" the area to keep it dry. When your child gets a cold or similar illness, this passageway can get blocked. The ventilation system temporarily stops working, causing fluid to build up. Many times, this fluid evaporates on its own, but occasionally bacteria can grow in it, causing an infection.

Your child may feel pain from the infected fluid pushing on the eardrum, and she may run a fever. Every child responds to ear infections differently. Some children may have vomiting, coughing, and a fever, while other children may simply be irritable. As you get to know your baby, you will know when things aren't "just right" with your infant. If you suspect that your baby has an illness, call your nurse practitioner or doctor.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

If your child has an ear infection, one or more of the following symptoms may be present:

  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Pain-from mild to severe
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Cold symptoms

How is the infection treated?

Your baby will need an antibiotic to fight the infection in the fluid. You will play an important part in helping your baby recover from this ear infection by giving her the antibiotic, providing pain relief with non-aspirin pain reliever when she needs it, and by soothing her through this painful time. Depending upon the medicine prescribed, your doctor or nurse practitioner will teach you how much medicine to give, when to give it, and for how many days. Depending upon the antibiotic that your child has been given, your doctor or nurse practitioner will need to tell you about side effects that may appear, and help you recognize them. The most common side effects are diarrhea, a diaper rash, and some stomach upset. Most antibiotics begin working within two days, but a complete cure will only occur if the medication is given correctly. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you want about your child's ear infection.

When should I worry?

Most children experience pain and discomfort during an ear infection. Call your child's nurse practitioner or doctor if you think your child is continuing to have pain, fever, or drainage from the ear beyond two days of treatment. Don't be afraid to call if you are worried about any other unusual symptoms, or if you have any questions. Ear infections are not contagious, so your child can go back to child care as soon as he is feeling better. You can give your child a bath, and you can usually fly in an airplane while your child is recovering from an ear infection.

What complications may occur?

Some children keep getting ear infections, so it is important always to contact your child's doctor or nurse practitioner if you think your child has another ear infection. Remember, you are the expert on your child's behavior, so if you think an ear infection is occurring, you may very well be right! If an ear problem is neglected, your child may be at risk for hearing loss, which can affect his speech and language development.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011

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