Toddler Ear Infection

By the age of three, most children have already suffered at least one ear infection. The sight of a toddler tugging his ear and howling in pain is all too familiar in pediatric offices. Take heart: there are ways to ease the suffering, and possibly even reduce a toddler's risk of ear infections.

Symptoms

• Pain in the ear is the primary symptom of an ear infection. Some toddlers will be able to describe the pain, while others cannot. If a toddler cannot articulate the pain of an ear infection, a parent or caregiver can look for other signs. Some toddlers will indicate ear pain by tugging on the offending ear. Other signs of an ear infection are loss of appetite, crankiness, difficulty sleeping, fever, recent cold symptoms, and difficulty with balance.

Causes

• Viral ear infections can occur, but most of the ear infections contracted by toddlers are bacterial in nature. The Eustachian tube connects the inside of the ear to the nose and throat. Fluid that enters the ear escapes through the Eustachian tube. During a cold or sinus infection, the Eustachian tube becomes blocked with mucus and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This trapped fluid causes a bacterial ear infection. Ear infections cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Treatment

• Ear infections can cause a great deal of pain. The majority of treatment revolves around pain management. Warm compresses can be applied to the infected ear to soothe pain. The warmth may also help the toddler relax. In addition to compresses, over-the-counter pain medications can ease pain but should be administered with care. Purchase a pain medication that has been created specifically for infants or toddlers. Follow the instructions on the medication packaging or call a pediatrician for dosage advice. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the active ingredients in most children's pain medications. If symptoms persist, antibiotics may be necessary to rein in the infection.

Prevention

• Some ear infections are preventable. Keep toddlers away from cigarette and cigar smoke. Repeated or consistent subjection to tobacco smoke increases a child's risk of chronic ear infections. Good hygiene, along with avoiding the spread of germs and colds, can help prevent the sinus problems that often lead to ear infections.

Warning

• Never give a toddler aspirin to control the pain of an earache. Aspirin raises a child's risk of Reye Syndrome. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, take the toddler to a pediatrician or urgent care facility.