Infant Ear Infections

Infant ear infections are one of the most common illnesses that parents run into and most cases the ear infection will develop after nasal congestion or a cold. Babies are incapable of telling us what is wrong with them so it’s sometimes hard to decipher if the infant has an ear infection. A good way to tell if your infant has an ear infection is to observe changes in his or her mood. If the child is more fussy than usual or has even the slightest fever, then a parent should be on the lookout for a problem.

Common symptoms of ear infections in infants  (6 months and older) and young children include: 

• Crying and irritability
• Clumsiness or trouble with balancing
• Grabbing or tugging ears
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Drainage from the ear
• Unpleasant smell from the ear
• Trouble sleeping

Infant ear infections are very common but should not be ignored. These type of ear infections are easy for babies to get because their eustachian tubes are very short and horizontal. As the infant grows into an adult, the tube will become more vertical and longer which decreases the chances of an infection. Many ear infections improve on their own. For children 6 months and older, a provider may recommend monitoring symptoms for a short period before starting antibiotics, depending on severity. However, if symptoms persist longer than a week—or worsen—your child should be evaluated by a doctor.

At Northeast Georgia ENT, we are experienced in treating infant ear infections. If you think your infant might have an ear infection, contact us today to schedule an appointment.