Maybe your baby won’t stop crying. Maybe your teething toddler wakes up feverish. Maybe your ears hurt. In each case, it could be an ear infection.
Although they can occur in adults, ear infections occur far more often in children, making them the one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. But how do you know if it is an ear infection? Here’s what you should know.
The most typical type of ear infection is called otitis media, caused by swelling of the middle ear, located just behind the eardrum. This swelling occurs because the eustachian tubes, which usually drain fluid from the middle ear, become blocked. When this happens, fluid in the middle ear can get stuck and lead to infection.
Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear. Some causes include:
Tugging on the ear is not always a sign that your child has an ear infection. In infants, the main sign of an ear infection is irritability or crying that cannot be soothed. Many infants and children with an ear infection also have a fever or trouble sleeping.
In older children and adults, symptoms of an ear infection include:
If you or a child experiences any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a health care provider for advice. Remember: All children younger than 6 months with these symptoms or a fever should be taken to the doctor immediately. Riverview Health offers a walk-in Urgent Care clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and, as always, our emergency room is open 24/7.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Sources: NIH.gov
