Symptoms, causes, and treatments for
Ear Infection
Kids are highly susceptible to ear infections, which result from blockages or fluid buildup in the Eustachian tubes. Docs call the two types of ear infections acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion.
Ear infection symptoms include:
Generally, kids have smaller Eustachian tubes that contribute to their higher infection rate than adults. Likewise, developing immune systems put infants at risk when introduced to illness-prone environments like daycare, at least during their first year. Adults can get ear infections too, but kids are more susceptible to an infection.
A variety of bacteria entering the ear canal and creating an infection cause acute otitis media. It’s the most common ear infection, and may resolve itself.
Otitis media with effusion develops from sources such as smoking parents or a shorter period of breastfeeding.
Other possible causes of an ear infection:
Parents will always worry, so that’s natural. But you may want to worry about not sleeping much: kids with ear infections cry—a lot.
Many ear infections resolve themselves without antibiotics. That’s the good news. But don’t wait to schedule a visit if you or your child's symptoms are bothersome or last for more than a few days, or if you’re not sure whether you have an ear infection or a sinus infection.
Any children with a fever over 102°F should see a doctor immediately. Also, you should seek treatment for an infant under six months with fever or ear infection symptoms.
Recurring infections can be serious, even if your child’s last few ear infections cleared up without treatment. Repeated infections may permanently damage their hearing.
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Ear Infection
Prevention Tips:
Consider these tips to help reduce your child's chances of contracting an ear infection:
