EAR INFECTIONS (OTITIS MEDIA)

Ear infections often affect children who are too young to describe how they feel. In addition, some of the signs of an ear infection, such as fever and sleeplessness, can be the result of many other medical conditions. That's why ear infections are sometimes difficult to spot. Knowing what to look for can help. Keep in mind that ear infections often develop shortly after a cold and that your child will likely have the most discomfort during the first 24 hours after an infection develops.

Infants who are in pain are listless, and their crying is different from crying associated with hunger or tiredness. As a parent, you're familiar with your baby's different cries.

Young children may rub or pull on their ears and may not respond to sounds. Even though this may be a sign of fluid buildup in the middle ear, it's not necessarily a sign of an ear infection. Acute ear infections typically produce a lot of pain and may or may not be accompanied by a fever. Other signs and symptoms may include a loss of appetite or a feeling of dizziness or loss of balance. An older child may complain of an earache or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.

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