Subtle signals your toddler has an ear infection

About 50% to 80% of children will experience an ear infection before turning 3 years old – well before they are able to fully communicate the symptoms they are experiencing to their parents.

How to spot an ear infection

Since a young child can’t verbally tell you their ears hurt, their hearing is muffled or they feel fluid in their ears, it’s important to know the visual cues.

“A child with an ear infection may pull on their ears, fuss more than usual or have trouble sleeping due to ear discomfort,” says Dr. Cristina Senger, a pediatrician at Aurora Health Care. “These behaviors are especially important to look for if your child recently was or currently is sick.”

Many children also experience a fever. You may notice your child sweating, experiencing chills and eating less. If you notice these symptoms, take their temperature with a thermometer to confirm. A fever is a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Why ear infections are common in children

Dr. Senger says young children are more at risk of developing an ear infection for a number of reasons. “Children have shorter eustachian tubes, so germs can easily reach the middle ear where ear infections typically take place,” she explains. “Young children are also still building up their immune systems. Some respiratory infections that a healthy adult could typically fight off may further develop into an ear infection in children.”

Infections cause fluid to build up in the ear and block the eustachian tube. This causes bacteria to become trapped, resulting in an ear infection.

How to treat a child’s ear infection

Most ear infections don’t require a trip to the doctor. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with your child’s ear pain and lower their fever. If your child’s symptoms last longer than a few days, their doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

If your child has frequent ear infections, talk to their pediatrician about preventive measures and whether your child would benefit from ear tube surgery.

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.