Children and Ear Infections

Seeing your child in pain is difficult for any parent; however, for a child that suffers from recurrent ear infections, this is a sad part of life.

What Causes an Ear Infection?

A child's Eustachian tubes are very small. Because of this, they become blocked easily. When the tubes become blocked, fluid that is behind the ear drum doesn't have anywhere to drain, so it remains there and can become infected. This is common after a cold or sinus irritation.

What are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

A child with an ear infection may cry during feedings. If the child is old enough to talk, he may tell you his ear hurts. He may pull at the ear and may be running a fever.

How are Ear Infections Treated?

After diagnosing an ear infection, the doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection. In some cases, ear drops that numb the ear may be prescribed. Acetominophen can be used as well to help control the pain. Some doctors recommend placing a warm compress on the ear or behind the ear to help control the pain.

For a child with recurring ear infections, surgery to place artificial tubes in the ears to allow air to enter the middle ear and help control fluid is sometimes necessary. There are two types of tubes that may be used: short term and long term. Short term tubes are used for up to a year and will fall out on their own. Long term tubes are used for up to five years and in most cases, must be removed by the doctor; although, some may fall out on their own.

My Experience

The first time my son got an ear infection, it was very obvious that something was wrong. He woke up that morning screaming in pain, which was out of the ordinary because he usually wakes up laughing and playing. His favorite breakfast is chocolate Pop-Tarts. He doesn't get them very often, but that morning, I offered some to him and he refused. All he wanted to do was to sit on my lap and scream his little head off. He was 10 months old. I called his doctor and was told to bring him in right away. When we got to the doctor's office, he was given strong antibiotics and a numbing medicine for his ear.

Since that first ear infection, he has had two more. His younger brother has had two ear infections. My husband and I expected this because I had to have tubes put in my ears when I was young, and my husband almost had to have them put in his. So far, neither of our boys has had to have tubes put in.