Ear Infection: How to Know when You Have One

All of the tales that you have heard over the years about ear infections like if you see your child tagging on their ear that he has an ear infection. So many people believe this saying, but most of the time this is not the case. As you know if you already have children that most kids will get an ear infection by the time they reach age four. By age three 80 percent of kids will get an ear infection. A ear infection occurs when fluid is trapped behind your eardrum in the center of your ear and becomes infected because of bacteria. Know that an ear infection can come from a common cold or even allergies. Since a lot of children get there first ear infection when they are unable to talk well, you as the parent has to figure it out.

One of the key signs of a child having a ear infection can be a fever over 102 degrees this can be a sign, but a fever can also be related to something else so don't go by just a fever only. Unusually irritable, and crying can also be a sign that something is wrong. if your child seem to be more uncomfortable when lying down this could be a great sign that tells you that it is a ear infection. Another sign that you can look for is pus or fluid coming from your child's ear. This indicates that your child could have a burst eardrum. Although the word burst sounds horrible it is not a major worry, but should be looked at by your pediatrician soon as possible so your child want be in pain.

Ear infections can cause a variety of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, unable to sleep, lack of eating, and it can also at the moment of your child's ear infection not be able to hear clearly. Ear infections in most cases can go away on their own like a common cold. Some cases are more severe then others and you will need medical attention. Quick tips to avoid ear infections are keeping up with your child's vaccination. This will protect your child from a lot of bacteria. This can also limit the frequency of how many times your child get a ear infection. Studies have shown that breastfeeding may help prevent ear infections. Another known fact to limit or avoid ear infection is never allow your child to drink from a sip cup or a bottle when they are lying down. Take notice of your child be sure that they are in the up right position when drinking liquids. You can't prevent all ear infections, but doing simple things to limit them will be in best interest of your child.