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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Ear Infections
An ear infection (otitis media) is a bacterial infection of the middle ear, or the space behind the eardrum. Ear infections most often occur when a child has a cold, because fluid may accumulate in the middle ear, and then become infected by bacteria. Ear infections are a common problem among young children, because they are more likely to have viral upper respiratory infections, and because there is a more direct connection between the back of the throat and the middle ear, through the Eustachian tube. Children who spend time in day care get more infections because they are exposed to more upper respiratory viruses. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are also more likely to have ear infections.
Symptoms of an ear infection include pain and pressure in the ear. Infants and younger children may pull at their ear and cry, or may cry during pressure changes in the ear such as during feedings or when lying down. Ear infections may occur with fever. Occasionally, the eardrum may develop a small hole, or perforation, and you may observe blood-tinged or yellow fluid draining from the ear.
If you suspect a middle ear infection, try to make your child comfortable until you can see the pediatrician, who will confirm the ear infection by looking in the child's ear with an otoscope. Tylenol can be used in the correct dose for pain and fever. A warm cloth or heating pad held against the ear may offer some comfort.
The pediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic for your child's ear infection. Your child will be feeling better in two to three days, but it is very important to take every dose of the medication for the full amount of time prescribed to prevent the infection from flaring up again. Occasionally, an ear infection does not respond to the first antibiotic prescribed, so if symptoms continue for more than three days, call the pediatrician.
There are few restrictions for children with ear infections. The child may return to school or daycare as soon as the pain is mild and the fever is gone. The child may go outside. Swimming is permitted as long as there is no perforation or hole in the eardrum.
The pediatrician may ask you to return after treatment for an ear check, especially in a child that is too young to complain of pain, or if a perforation was present. Occasionally, fluid may remain behind the eardrum for several weeks after the infection is cleared. Most of the time, the fluid will disappear within three months. If you feel your child's hearing is not as good as it was before the ear infection, consult your pediatrician.
