Signs Your Child May Have an Ear Infection

How can you tell if your little one has an ear infection?

Ear infections happen to a lot of children. Maybe you are concerned that your child’s unusual fussiness or ear tugging is perhaps because they are suffering from an ear infection. Here are the telltale signs that your little one might have an ear infection and when it’s time to visit Peds In AnPod Pediatrics in Baltimore, MD for treatment. 

After the common cold, an ear infection is the next most common problem that children experience. If you have an older child they may be able to verbalize that their ear hurts. Of course, if your child is younger this is most likely not possible. In which case you have to look for common signs of an ear infection including, 

  • A fever above 102 degrees F (a classic sign of an ear infection in babies and toddlers) 
  • Irritability and increased fussiness 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Sleeplessness 
  • Tugging or pulling at the ear 
  • Fluid draining from the ears 
  • Not hearing or understand what others are saying 

Does my child need antibiotics for an ear infection?

While most parents may assume that an ear infection warrants a prescription, this isn’t always the case. Of course, it’s always a good idea that if your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms that they visit our Baltimore pediatrician to make sure that they don’t require additional treatment. In many cases, we may just monitor the condition to see if it gets better on its own. In the meantime, there are over-the-counter eardrops and other remedies that we can recommend for managing your little one’s symptoms until their infection goes away. 

Plus, if we determine that your child’s ear infection is due to a virus, then antibiotics won’t help to treat the problem. Of course, if your child is dealing with an ear infection and they are under 2 years old, then antibiotics may be necessary to help them better fight the infection and prevent serious complications.

Dr. Stacey Eadie is Baltimore’s leading pediatrician, providing quality, compassionate care to children and teens for more than 20 years. When ear infections and other health problems arise, it’s important that you have a pediatrician you trust. Call Peds In A Pod Pediatrics today at (410) 285-5437 to schedule your child’s next appointment.

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