The most common symptom of an ear infection in older kids is ear pain, they may also have a fever. It often occurs after a cold or significant allergies, but not always. In young children, it can be more difficult to discern these symptoms, as symptoms of an ear infection can be very non-specific. These include: fussiness/irritability, fever, not sleeping well, not eating well, pulling at the ears, headache, or overall not feeling well. Drainage from the ear is also a sign of an ear infection, and possibly a ruptured eardrum. If your child has tubes in their ears, you also may see drainage from their ears.

That depends on several factors: your child’s age, their history of ear infections, the severity of the infection, and if it is in one or both ears. The body is designed to fight infection, and can clear up an ear infection on its own. Your provider will discuss options with you and together you will come up with the best plan for your child. They may recommend a watch and wait approach, where you keep a close eye on your child for a few days to see if they improve or worsen which will help decide if they need antibiotics or not. They also may recommend antibiotics at the time of diagnosis. If your provider does prescribe antibiotics it is important that your child completes the course, even if they are feeling better before they have finished.

Unfortunately, ear infections are often non- preventable, and some children are more prone to ear infections than others. There are some things that have shown to decrease the risk. Breastfeeding, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, and getting all recommended vaccines (including the flu vaccine) can all help prevent ear infections. Frequent handwashing is known to prevent the spread of illness, which in turn can help your child stay healthy! Encourage your children to wash their hands!