How to Diagnose Infant Ear Infection

Ear infections occur when there is a fluid buildup behind the child's eardrum and it becomes infected. Unfortunately, infants are unable to verbalize their discomfort, so they let us know in other ways that something is wrong. They depend on adults to notice the warning signs and get them the proper medical attention. The following information will instruct you in determining if your infant has an ear infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for unusual unexplained crankiness and irritability. If your baby is crying more than usual and you've gone through the normal checklist of, hunger, tiredness, diaper change and boredom, then your infant may be letting you know that they are in discomfort.

• 2

  Look for ear pulling. Infants with ear infections may pull, grab, tug or run their hands frequently by the ear that is causing them pain.

• 3

  Recall how long ago your baby had a cold or sinus infection. Ear infections commonly occur after child has had a bout with one of these maladies.

• 4

  Determine if your child has a fever. If an ear infection is not caught extremely early, your infant may develop a fever.

• 5

  Be aware of your infant's reduced appetite. Your baby may not be interested in food as a result of an ear infection because it may hurt to chew or swallow. Observe if your baby starts to nurse or drink from the bottle and then pulls away.