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If the eardrum is red and bulging, this suggests an infection is present. Your pediatrician will determine whether an infection is present by checking their temperature and using a scope to look inside the ear. How are childhood ear infections diagnosed?ĭiagnosis and treatment planning for ear infections involves 3 recommended steps: Pneumonia, susceptibility to colds and even Thirdhand smoke have been shown to elevate a child's risks for ear infections and other health issues such as bronchitis, They spend time around people who smoke, or in environments where smokers have been. They drink from a bottle, especially when lying down for a nap or overnight. They have daily exposure to germs that cause colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses-for example, at school or child care. They have a cold, flu or allergy symptoms that cause congestion and sneezing, causing fluid to build up in the ear. Your child may develop an ear infection when: What other factors can cause ear infections (or make them worse)? This makes it harder for fluid to drain out of the ear, which can lead to fluid buildup and bacterial growth. The eustachian tubethat connects a child's middle ear to the back of their throat is shorter, narrower and more horizontal than an adult's. Their immune systems are still developing, which makes it harder for them to fight off any infection. Kids are more susceptible to ear infections because: Why do kids get more ear infections than grownups? Ear infections can cause serious discomfort and sleep loss, so it's important to have your child checked right away. Generally, there is no danger of lasting damage to their hearing-but this doesn't mean you should put off calling your pediatrician. Rest assured that if your child isn't hearing well right now, the problem will clear up when the infection does. Headache : Your child might complain of pressure or pain in the head or ear(s). Sometimes pus or fluid can come out of your child's ear, which can be a sign of an infection which may have ruptured the eardrum. Your child's body temperature may be higher than 98.6 degrees, which is generally considered normal.Įar drainage. Some children with prolonged hearing loss related to ear infections may have delayed speech and language development.įever. Babies and toddlers might not respond as they normally would when you speak to them. Your child might complain that their ear is plugged up or that they can't hear very well. It is common for the pain to be worse at night. Discomfort might come and go or remain constant. This can be a sharp pain or dull, throbbing ache. Here are additional symptoms of ear infection to look for in your child:Įar pain. However, many babies and small children do this to self-soothe or simply play with their ears. Many adults assume that if a child tugs or pulls at their ear, this suggests they have an ear infection. How can I tell when my child has an ear infection? Infection of the middle ear (otitis media) is different from an infection of the ear canal (otitis externa), which is also called While most ear infections go away on their own, some require medication such as antibiotics to treat the infection. This infection can cause an earache, fever and difficulty hearing. This creates an environment that is perfect for bacteria or viruses to grow. When the eustachian tube becomes blocked, usually due to a cold or allergies, fluid can build up in the middle ear. A small passageway called the eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. This type of ear infection in the middle ear is also known as otitis media. This area is normally filled with air and contains three tiny bones that help us hear. What causes ear infections?Īn ear infection happens when bacteria or viruses infect the small space behind the eardrum, known as the middle ear. Why are ear infections so common in children, and what's the best way to prevent and treat them? Here are answers to the questions pediatricians hear most often, along with research findings that offer helpful guidance. Maybe that's because nearlyĥ out of every 6 children will experience one before their third birthday-and for some, painful infections will become an ongoing pattern that causes sleep loss, low mood and more. When parents and caregivers talk about health concerns they see in their children, ear infections often top the list. By: Noah Alter & Samuel Ostrower, MD, FAAP
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