Ear Infections In Infants
Ear infections in infants can be quite unpleasant, if you have ever had one yourself, you know full well that in some cases it can be extremely painful and almost unbearable. This is why you want to be aware of what symptoms to look for in your baby when an infection does develop and to get the infection treated as soon as possible..
Children are most especially prone to ear infections, as an overwhelming majority of children will develop an ear infection by the age of three. This is simply because a child of this age has an immune system which is still developing and immature.
What Causes An Ear Infection?
Whenever the tubes that connects the ear to the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) become blocked and can no longer drain fluids, an infection occurs in the ear. The fluid that is then trapped in these tubes can become inflamed and lead to an infection, which can be quite painful. In most cases a child will be more susceptible to an ear infection after having a cold, as the fluid is more prone to being trapped in the eustachian tubes.
By the time a child turns six years old, the eustachian tubes become much longer and drain fluid much more efficiently, making children of this age less likely to develop an ear infection.
Signs Of Ear Infection In A Baby
One of the first signs that there could be an ear infection, is that you notice that your baby is pulling or grabbing at his ears and there is a dramatic change in the behavior of your child. In most cases you will notice that your infant has also become fussy or cranky or is crying and screaming more than usual. You will then want to take your baby’s temperature to see if there is a fever, as it is another big sign that an ear infection may be present Another big clue is in your baby develops these symptoms after having recently had a cold.
Some other things to look for include:
- loss of appetite
- foul smell coming from the ear
- fluid draining from the ear (this is an obvious sign of infection)
When To Contact Your Physician
As soon as you notice some of the symptoms above, you want to call your doctor as quickly as possible. The faster you get treatment for your baby, the easier it will be to clear up the infection.
In most instances your doctor will prescribe a round of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. Your doctor will also schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure the fluid is draining properly and there are no further complications.
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