Ways to know if your baby has an ear infection

An ear infection can be extremely discomforting for a young baby, causing your baby to act in ways that make you feel even more distressed than your baby. Unfortunantly, babies are unable to express feelings and sensations, thereby it is almost impossible for a parent to know what is going on and be awarw of the condition.

In the following article, a few common manifestations of ear infections in babies are listed, in an attempt to reach an early diagnosis and thus make life less distressing for the baby as well as for the parents alike.

Irritability and inconsolable crying

When a child behaves irritated or cries more than usual, it might be a sign of an ear infection. Thus, it is necessary for the care taker to search for other symptoms which may indicate a probable locus of infection in the child.

Fluid or discharge from the ear

A sure symptom of an ear infection is the appearance of an ear discharge from the babies ear (yellowish or colorless). In such cases, measures should be taken to seek medical advice even if the child appears well.

Pulling / grabbing of the ear

In most instances, a child with ear infections would pull on the ear from time to time although they would do the same without any reason at all. As such, it is always better to be observant when it comes to such situations, especially in case there are other signs related to ear infections

Lack of Appetite

Ear infection in babies may cause refusal to feed due to pain in swallowing and chewing, as well as due to abdominal discomfort pertaining to that particular infection.

Diarrhea

During an ear infection,it is common for the bacteria or virus causing the infection to also cause a gastro-intestinal disturbance. Therefore, a baby with ear infection usually also develops diarrhea as well.

High fever

Another common symptom that usually accompanies these manifestations would be fever, that can vary from a mild fever to a high fever with chills in severe ear infections with or without a discharge.

An accurate and fast diagnosis of an ear infection in a baby requires the care taker to be extra vigilant and any of the above symptoms in order to detect an ear infection early. 

From: www.helium.com