Ear Infections in Kids: Spotting the Signs Early

An ear infection happens when the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, gets infected. Children get them far more often than adults do.

Most ear infections clear up on their own, so treatment often starts with managing pain and simply keeping an eye on things. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up faster.

Some children get ear infections again and again, which can lead to hearing problems or other complications over time.

Ear infections usually start when the eustachian tubes, the small passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, become swollen or blocked. This traps mucus in the middle ear, which can then get infected.

Ear infection symptoms common in children include:

• Ear pain.
• Tugging at an ear.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Crying more than usual.
• Fussiness.
• Trouble hearing or replying to sounds.
• Loss of balance.
• Fever.
• Fluid coming from the ear, which can be from a torn ear drum.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.

When to see a doctor

Several conditions can look like an ear infection, so a proper diagnosis matters. Call your child's doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than 2 to 3 days
• Your child is younger than 6 months old
• Symptoms are getting worse instead of better
• Your infant or toddler is unusually cranky or sleepless after a cold or breathing-related illness
• There's fluid, pus or blood coming from the ear
• You notice signs of hearing loss