|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Baby Ear Infections & Sinus Infections

Almost all babies experience an ear infection at one time or another and many babies suffer from frequent ear infections. Also, babies may experience sinus infections.

  1. Ear Symptoms

    • Symptoms of an ear infection may include pulling on the ears, diarrhea, poor appetite, fluid draining from the ear and fever.

    Sinus Symptoms

    • Sinus infection symptoms may include prolonged nasal congestion, thick mucus that is yellow or green, coughing (especially at night), facial swelling around the eyes and nose, facial pain and persistent low-grade fever.

    Diagnosis

    • Ear infections and sinus infections can be diagnosed by a pediatrician or family doctor. Severe and persistent cases may require an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist. The ENT may look for underlying conditions such as sinus drainage problems, swollen adenoids, deviated septum and ear drainage problems that may require tubes.

    Complications

    • If left untreated, ear infections can lead to ear drum rupture, hearing loss, skull infection or meningitis.

    Treatments

    • Both ear infections and sinus infections are treated with prescription antibiotics. Both conditions can reoccur often and may become resistant to antibiotics over time.

    Warning

    • Do not give over-the-counter cold medications to any child under the age of 4.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles