When your baby cries, you want to immediately know what is wrong. Are they sick? Hungry? Tired? One reason a baby may cry is because they have a baby ear infection. Ear infections in babies are common, accounting for most visits to a pediatrician. They can be difficult to detect without looking inside the ears with an otoscope.
How Common Are Baby Ear Infections?
In the United States, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed illnesses in babies, especially after the flu, a cold, or an allergy attack. In a 2017 study, it was shown that 23 percent of babies had at least one ear infection by the time they are 12 months old. More than half have at least one ear infection by three years old.
Types of Infant Ear Infections
There are three main types of ear infections, and all can present with slightly different symptoms. If your child shows warning signs of any of these infections, and you are concerned an ear infection might be the culprit, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment.
- Acute otitis media (AOM). The most common type of ear infection, AOM involves parts of the middle ear that are infected and swollen, with fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Commonly called an earache because of the pain, your baby may also have a fever.
- Otitis media with effusion (OME). OME is where after an ear infection has run its course, fluid gets trapped behind the eardrum. Your baby may not be exhibiting any symptoms, but a doctor will be able to see the fluid with an otoscope.
- Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). When fluid gets trapped in the middle ear for a long time, or there are repetitive ear infections, a doctor will diagnose COME. This type of ear infection can make it difficult for your baby to fight more infections and can cause hearing loss.
If your child gets recurrent ear infections, our doctors may recommend myringotomy tube placement to help fluid drain from the ear and prevent future problems.
Baby Ear Infection Symptoms: What to Watch For
Common ear infection symptoms a baby may experience include:
- Fussiness and crying
- Tugging or pulling at the ear(s)
- Fever (especially in infants and younger children)
- Trouble sleeping
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Difficulty hearing or responding to quiet sounds
- Balance problems or clumsiness
If you notice any of these signs of an ear infection in your infant, you should contact your pediatrician for an evaluation.
How to Tell if Your Baby Has an Ear Infection: Tips for Parents
As a parent, you may wonder how you can know if your infant has an ear infection. Here are some tips to help you determine if your little one may be suffering from this condition:
- Observe your baby’s behavior. Is your baby more fussy or irritable than usual? Are they tugging at their ear(s)?
- Check for fever. Ear infections in babies often cause fever, especially in infants and younger children.
- Look for fluid drainage. If you notice fluid or pus draining from your baby’s ear, it’s a clear sign of an infection.
- Monitor hearing and balance. If your baby seems to have difficulty hearing or responding to sounds, or if they appear clumsy or off-balance, an ear infection may be to blame.
If you’re still unsure and find yourself wondering if your baby has an ear infection, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis.
Ear Infection in Babies: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes, a baby’s ear infection does not require an antibiotic and will heal on its own. The baby’s natural immune system takes care of the infection.
Doctors usually recommend that parents wait two to three days after symptoms appear in their babies. This is to allow for time for the infection to clear up on its own. When it is apparent that your baby needs an antibiotic, doctors will step in. Your pediatrician can diagnose the type of infection and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Prompt treatment is essential to alleviate pain and prevent complications.
Are Ear Infections Contagious?
While ear infections themselves are not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can help prevent the spread of these germs.
Treating Ear Infections in Your Baby: What You Can Do
If your pediatrician diagnoses an ear infection in your baby, they may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, the infection may resolve on its own without antibiotics. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on your baby’s age, health, and severity of the infection.
To help alleviate ear infection symptoms in babies, you can:
- Give your baby over-the-counter pain medication (if six months or older, and with doctor’s approval)
- Place a warm compress on the affected ear
- Encourage your baby to drink plenty of fluids to promote swallowing and help drain the middle ear
Preventing Ear Infection in Babies: Tips for Parents
To reduce your baby’s risk of developing ear infections:
- Keep your baby away from sick children
- Consistently treat allergies
- Maintain regular check-ups with your baby’s pediatrician
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle
- Quit smoking if you do
When to Contact a Pediatric Otolaryngologist
If your child experiences recurrent ear infections, or if symptoms of ear infections in your baby persist despite treatment, it’s essential to consult with a pediatric otolaryngologist. These specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat complex ear problems in children.
At Pediatric ENT Associates at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, our skilled pediatric otolaryngologists are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your child’s ear health. If you suspect your baby has chronic ear infections, contact us today at (205) 831-0101 to schedule an appointment.
