Ear infections
Most children have had at least one ear infection by the time they reach the preschool years and babies are especially vulnerable because the Eustachian tubes that connect their ears to the back of the nose and throat are very short and prone to getting a secondary infection if they have a cold.
As the infection develops, your child’s inner ear will swell and become painful, and your child’s body may react with a fever as she tries to fight the infection.
Signs your baby has an ear infection include her tugging at her ears, a reduced appetite and general crankiness. You may also notice fluid draining from her ear or a foul odor. Your older child may complain about her ears hurting or feeling ‘full’ or say she can’t hear you properly (a dead giveaway is if she talks louder than usual or turns up the volume on the TV).
Treatment
Most ear infections will clear up with no treatment but in some cases antibiotics may be necessary so take your child to the pediatrician if you suspect she has an ear infection. As a rule, however, most pediatricians now prefer a wait-and-see approach, since antibiotics won’t affect an ear infection caused by a virus and over-prescribing is contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Your pediatrician will likely recommend a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Letting an older child lie down with the affected ear resting against a well-wrapped warm hot water bottle can also help with the discomfort. Try to avoid getting water in your child’s ear when you bath her, as this may make the infection worse; and don’t insert cotton swabs into your child’s ear.
Prevention
Wash your baby’s hands and your hands regularly so as not to spread infections, and remind your older child to practice this hygiene habit too. Get your child immunized on time, as some vaccines are known to help prevent ear infections. Don’t smoke or let anyone smoke around your child, as exposure to cigarette smoke weakens your child’s immune system and makes her more prone to infections.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.