How to Spot an Ear Infection

With infants and toddlers, spotting an ear infection can be tough. Infants and toddlers have no way of telling you what is wrong. These are a few signs that can help you spot an ear infection!

1) Fever is a sign of infection. Having a fever is a good sign of a healthy immune system. In my personal experience, fevers associated with ear infections are usually lower grade and easily controlled with Tylenol. A low grade fever is generally up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Night time irritability is another sign of ear infection. Often the pain associated with an ear infection is worse at night. Often children will find it hard to sleep. Tylenol can alleviate this as well by reducing the pain your child feels, allowing them to sleep. We all know that we need sleep to recover from any illness!

3) Recent runny nose can indicate the possibility of an ear infection. The sinuses are very close to the ear canal, and sometimes when your child has had a runny nose for several days, the fluid can be trapped in the ears, providing bacteria a fertile place to grow.

4) Rubbing or pulling at the ear or the jaw can be a sign of ear infection. Keep in mind that a child may pull at their ear for other reasons. Some of these may include teething, itching of the ear or merely a habit your child finds soothing. Also, some children will avoid touching their ear because of the pain.

5) Some children experience drainage from the ear during an ear infection. If you do notice drainage from the ear, don't delay in calling the doctor. It is possible that the eardrum has ruptured.

Often parents have no idea that their child has an ear infection. They just know that something isn't quite right with their child. If you are worried that your child is not behaving normally, note what changes have occurred and call your pediatrician. Checking for fever is an important step to take before calling, as your pediatrician will ask. Also, remember to write down when you give medicines. It can be easy to forget exactly what time your child had their last dose. Even a single extra dose to a child can be harmful.

Some pediatricians will prefer not to give your child antibiotics for an ear infection. Others will prescribe antibiotics if your child seems especially uncomfortable due to the infection. If you can make your child comfortable with Tylenol or Motrin the infection can get better on its own; antibiotics may not be necessary.