Ear infection symptoms in a baby may be hard to identify. The most commonly reported sign of a suspected ear infection is ear rubbing or pulling. DrGreene.com explains that this is actually not often attributed to an ear infection, but instead is a sign of an object in the ear or some other discomfort. Other symptoms of an ear infection may be less obvious. Treatment usually involves providing the baby with pain relief and sometimes an antibiotic for more serious infections.
Pain
Not all ear infections are painful, but if a baby cries often without an obvious reason, especially when lying down, the cause could be an ear infection. DrGreene.com reports that when a baby is lying down, the fluid that is contributing to the infection pushes against the ear due to gravity. This can increase the pain or pressure the baby is experiencing. Holding the baby upright may immediately cause her to stop crying. This can be one indication that an ear infection is to blame.
Fever
According to DrGreene.com, a fever will accompany an ear infection in about one-third to one-half of the reported cases in children, with infants being more likely to have a fever than older children. The website indicates that fewer than 5 percent of ear infections include a temperature over 104 degrees F. A fever without other symptoms is not a likely indication of an infection of the ears.
Unrelated Symptoms
Vomiting or watery stools can be a symptom of an ear infection. These symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to another illness because they seem unrelated to the ears. BabyCenter suggests that these symptoms may cause a baby to have a diminished appetite.
Visible Symptoms
In more severe ear infections, a baby may have discharge coming from the ear. AskDrSears.com points out that drainage can consist of pus or blood and may be attributed to the eardrum rupturing. This is not a serious concern as the eardrum will heal. It is also possible for the ear to become visibly red due to the infection. BabyCenter points out that the drainage may cause a foul ear odor.
Cold-Like Symptoms
An ear infection is often the result of a cold or sinus infection. An infant is likely to have cold-like symptoms along with other signs of ear infection. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and coughing.
