Ear problems are common among babies. In fact, by age 3, more than 75 percent of children have had an ear infection, according to KidsHealth, making it the most common childhood illness in the United States after the common cold. In general, ear trouble is a minor and transient problem. It is not to be ignored, however, because if not properly treated, an ear infection can progress into more serious problems.
Signs
Infants with an ear infection will cry inconsolably or show other indications of irritability, according to MedlinePlus. Fever and difficulty sleeping are also common signs. Contrary to popular belief, tugging on the ear is not a good indicator, according to MedlinePlus, because babies without an infection tug on their ear just as often as those who do have an infection.
Types
Otitis media is the most common type of ear infection in children, according to MedlinePlus. It can be acute, meaning a brief but painful episode, or chronic, meaning it lingers for a long period or comes and goes. Left untreated, such ear infections can become severe, leading to complications such as ruptured ear drums, scarring, hearing loss and meningitis, according to BabyCenter.
Causes
Ear infections tend to occur when the eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the throat, fill with fluid, giving germs a fertile breeding ground. Possible causes of such blockages are allergies, colds, overgrown adenoids and tobacco smoke, according to MedlinePlus. Infants' tubes are prone to such backup because they are particularly short, according to MedlinePlus.
Treatment
Ear infections in infants can often clear up on their own, but standard procedure for children under age 6 months is to treat them with antibiotics. Among the common choices are amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin and cefdinir, according to MedlinePlus. If the infection is persistent, doctors sometimes surgically place small tubes into the eardrums, allowing air to get in and fluids to drain.
Prevention
Limiting your baby's exposure to germs can reduce the chance of an ear infection. One idea is to choose a day care with no more than six children, according to MedlinePlus. Another is to wash hands and toys frequently. Breastfeeding can help, possibly because the milk offers immune-building antibodies, according to BabyCenter. Getting your child immunized, especially with the pneumococcal vaccine, is also crucial.
