Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Babies and toddlers tend to be more susceptible to developing ear infections than older children due to their smaller ear structures and developing immune systems. Ear infections often cause earaches and other symptoms that can make your little one uncomfortable. The experienced and caring providers at A to Z Pediatrics in New Port Richey, FL, treat earaches in babies and toddlers and can help ease your little one’s symptoms.

Causes of Earaches

The primary cause of earaches in babies and toddlers is an ear infection. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria in the middle ear. The small ear structure of babies and toddlers makes it more difficult for fluids to drain out of the middle ear properly. A buildup of fluids keeps bacteria trapped in the ear, which can cause an infection and ear pain. The risk of developing an ear infection increases when children have a cold or another respiratory illness that causes ear congestion and swelling.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Earaches are just one symptom of an ear infection, but there are others. Recognizing other signs of an ear infection is important since babies and toddlers cannot necessarily express the exact symptoms they are experiencing. Signs your baby or toddler has an ear infection include:

• Fussiness
• Ear pain and discomfort
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Rubbing or pulling on the ear
• Difficulty hearing sounds
• Balance problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Treatments for Earaches

Treating an earache starts with treating the infection that caused it, but there are some things you can do right away to alleviate pain and discomfort. Placing a warm compress over the affected ear is one way to soothe pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers for infants and toddlers can also help provide relief.

The knowledgeable providers at our pediatric office in New Port Richey, FL, treat earaches using several methods. The right treatment will depend on various factors, such as your child's age, the severity of symptoms, and the cause of the ear infection. Oral antibiotics could be prescribed if the earaches are due to a bacterial infection. The antibiotics will help clear up the infection and stop it from spreading.

Other treatment methods might include ear drops, tubes, or a myringotomy. Ear drops prevent bacteria growth and relieve pain and discomfort, while ear tubes are placed in the ears to improve ventilation and prevent fluid build-up. Finally, a myringotomy is a simple procedure for draining ear fluids.

If your baby or toddler displays signs of an earache, we can help. Call A to Z Pediatrics in New Port Richey, FL, at (727) 375-5242 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled providers for earache treatment.