How to Know if Your Child Has an Ear Infection

Presentation prepared by Family First Pediatrics

An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by bacteria. 

According to the National Institute on

Deafness and Other Communication

Disorders, nearly 75 percent of children

will have at least one ear infection by

their third birthday. 

In fact, ear infections account for the most common reason parents take their children to see a doctor.

Ear infections occur when the Eustachian tubes

– tubes located near the eardrum that connect

the ear to the back of the throat – become

blocked and aren’t able to properly drain fluid.

The fluid trapped in these tubes can become a

breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in redness

and inflammation of the eardrum. 

An ear infection will usually make

your child pretty uncomfortable, so

a clear sign for babies and toddlers

will be an increase in overall

fussiness and crying.

Other signs that indicate your child is suffering from an ear

infection include:

Pain in the earOlder children will most likely tell you that their ears

hurt. Babies and toddlers, on the other hand, may tug at their ears and cry more than usual.

Difficulty sleeping

Your child may experience pain from pressure building in the ears which can cause difficulty

sleeping. They may have trouble both falling and staying asleep.

Trouble hearing 

Fluid build-up in the ear can block sound, but hearing will usually return to normal once the

infection has cleared.

Fever A fever is a sign that the immune system is at work

trying to fight off the infection. Your child’s temperature may range from 99 to 104 degrees

Fahrenheit.

Yellow, white, or green drainage from the ear While not very common, this is a sign that the

eardrum has ruptured. The fluid blocked behind the eardrum can now leak out. 

Most ear infections do not require antibiotic

therapy.

An ear infection will often go away within 2 or 3

days.

Antibiotics should only be given if there is high

fever, drainage, or the ear infection lasts for

more than 5 days.

Your pediatrician can prescribe analgesic or

pain medicines for your child’s comfort.

If your child exhibits signs of an ear infection, 

schedule an appointment with a Winter Springs Pediatrician at Family First Pediatrics by calling

407-335-4760

http://familyfirstpeds.com/