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Signs of Ear Infection
Posted: April 1, 2009
It is not always easy to know if your child has an ear infection, also called otitis media. Sometimes you have to watch carefully. Your child may get an ear infection before he or she has learned how to talk. If your child is not old enough to say, "My ear hurts," you need to look for other signals that there is a problem.
Here are a few signs your child might show you if he or she has otitis media:
- Does she tug or pull at her ears?
- Does he cry more than usual?
- Do you see fluid draining out of her ears?
- Does he have trouble sleeping?
- Can she keep her balance?
- Does he have trouble hearing?
- Does she seem not to respond to quiet sounds?
A child with an ear infection may show you any of these signs. If you see any of them, call a doctor.
Your doctor will examine your child's ear. The doctor can tell you for sure if your child has an ear infection. The doctor may also give your child medicine. Medicines called antibiotics are sometimes given for ear infections. Your doctor may also give your child pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. Medicines such as antihistamines and decongestants do not help in the prevention or treatment of otitis media.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
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