Ear Infection Symptoms

Feb 12
2 min read

Ear infections are common in children, with most kids having had at least one by age 3. But sometimes it can be difficult to know the symptoms and when it is time to take them to Kids First. Below are some common symptoms as listed by healthychildren.org.

Pain. The most common symptom of an ear infection is pain. Older children can tell you that their ears hurt. Younger children may only seem irritable and cry. You may notice this more during feedings because sucking and swallowing may cause painful pressure changes in the middle ear.
Loss of appetite. Your child may have less of an appetite because of the ear pain.
Trouble sleeping. Your child may have trouble sleeping because of the ear pain.
Fever. Your child may have a temperature ranging from 100°F (normal) to 104°F.
Ear drainage. You might notice yellow or white fluid, possibly blood-tinged, draining from your child's ear. The fluid may have a foul odor and will look different from normal earwax (which is orange-yellow or reddish-brown). Pain and pressure often decrease after this drainage begins, but this doesn't always mean that the infection is going away. If this happens, it's not an emergency, but your child will need to see your pediatrician.
Trouble hearing. During and after an ear infection, your child may have trouble hearing for several weeks. This occurs because the fluid behind the eardrum gets in the way of sound transmission. This is usually temporary and clears up after the fluid from the middle ear drains away.

Important: Your provider cannot diagnose an ear infection over the phone; your child's eardrum must be examined to confirm fluid buildup and signs of inflammation.

Other causes of ear pain

There are other reasons why your child's ears may hurt besides an ear infection. The following can cause ear pain:

An infection of the skin of the ear canal, often called "swimmer's ear"
Reduced pressure in the middle ear from colds or allergies
A sore throat
Teething or sore gums
Inflammation of the eardrum alone during a cold (without fluid buildup)

If you think your child is experiencing an ear infection? Give the providers at Kids First a call. Raleigh: (919) 250-3478, or Clayton: (919) 267-1499.

Article source: Ear Infection Symptoms, healthychildren.org

*This article is informational and is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.