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Does your baby have an ear infection?

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As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to try to diagnose signs and symptoms of illness in your child. Common illnesses such as ear infections can become mysterious; as you wonder exactly which symptoms your child does and does not have. Is it an ear infection? Is it teething? Here are some common ways to tell if your child has an ear infection, so that you can begin to help him or her to feel better.

An older child can tell a parent if his or her ear is hurting. A baby, however, does not have this luxury. It's up to you, the parent, to observe your baby for the following signs and symptoms, and seek a doctor's care if necessary.

Signs Your Baby May Have an Ear Infection:

Cold - If your baby has recently had a cold, accompanied by a cough or runny nose, he or she may have also developed an ear infection. This symptom, along with one or more of the following, can be reason to visit your doctor.

Tugging at Ear - Some babies tug at their ears when they are tired or sleepy. For others, this can be a sign of an ear infection. If your baby does not normally tug at his or her ears, and suddenly begins to, an ear infection may be present.

Fussiness - Constant, persistent fussiness is a sign that your baby is uncomfortable. If accompanied by other symptoms, your baby may have an ear infection.

Fever - If your baby runs a high fever, some sort of infection is probably present. Consult your doctor to see if your baby has an ear infection.

Unfortunately for parents, most ear infection symptoms are general. They are also similar to signs of other problems, such as teething. It can be difficult as a parent to determine if your baby is teething, has an ear infection, or is simply fussy. For this reason, if you notice anything abnormal it is wise to seek your doctor's opinion. He or she can perform a simple exam, and see if the ear canal is red and swollen.

If your baby does have an ear infection, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment. Many times an antibiotic is prescribed, however, more and more doctors are waiting for longer periods of time before doing so. This allows the body a chance to fight the infection on its own. Either way, be sure to consult with your doctor if you suspect your baby has an ear infection, so that together you can begin to make him or her more comfortable.

by Rachel Goodchild