A crying baby really tugs at your heartstrings, especially when the cause is a terrible ear ache and you can’t do much about it. The fact is that baby ear aches mainly arise from ear infections, which can be treated by a child pediatrician. According to an experienced pediatrician, up to 89% of children suffer from at least one ear infection by the time they are 4 years old, making it that much more important for you to know about this ailment. Being properly informed with the right information will help you fret less the next time your baby cries out in pain or pulls at their ear.
What causes ear infections?
All ear infections are caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the middle ear. The infection starts off as a cold or allergy causing the Eustachian tubes (the passage between the middle ear and upper throat) to get blocked. When this happens, fluid gets collected in the areas behind the eardrum. When this fluid build-ups and combines with the pressure from inflammation, the ear starts to ache.
Spot an ear infection
Children are unable to fully express the cause of their pain and may not be able to inform you about the affected area correctly. You should look for these signs that can indicate your little one is troubled with an aching ear. Watch out for fever, especially if preceded by a cold, as well as crying, clinginess, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, unpleasant smell coming out of the ear, and irritability. When the ear is painful, children will find it tough to sleep as the pressure of the middle ear on the eustachian tubes increases when lying down. Sometimes there is fluid or pus coming out of the child’s ear, a clear indicator that they have an infection. If they pull or rub the ear, it could be their way of pointing out the troubled area.
How to treat an ear infection
The easy part of a baby’s ear infection is that it will usually subside on its own. Some children may need antibiotics. A children’s doctor may recommend that parents wait before giving any antibiotics if the child is over six years of age, has no fever and the child appears to be healthy. Antibiotics may be prescribed for a baby under six months, depending on how painful the infection is. It is recommended that you avoid flying when the baby has an earache as the change in air pressure can further traumatize the ear and even rupture the eardrum.
Ear infections can trouble your baby big time. As soon as you notice the symptoms, consult with an expert pediatrician who will know the best way to deal with the infection.
