Trying to determine if your infant has an ear infection is difficult, because she can't tell you her ear is hurting. To figure out she has an ear infection, you have to look for clues. In any case, if you think she has an ear infection, a trip to the doctor is warranted. An ear infection must be treated as soon as possible.
Crying
An ear infection is painful because it causes increased pressure in the ear. An infant with an ear infection may cry worse when he is laying down, as this may cause the pressure to increase slightly. In some infants, irritability or fussiness may be the sign to look for, especially at the beginning of the infection.
Odor
An infant with an ear infection may have a foul smell coming from her ear. If you wipe behind her ear and the smell remains, it is likely that the smell is coming from the ear. This odor may be accompanied by yellow- or white-colored drainage from the affected ear.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Some ear infections may cause an infant to eat less because of the pain and pressure in the ear. He may also have diarrhea or vomit. If the infant seems to eat less than normal and has some of the other signs associated with an ear infection, a trip to the doctor may be warranted.
Pulling on Ears
An infant with an ear infection may pull on her ears, but this isn't a conclusive sign of an ear infection. In some cases, an infant may pull on her ear for comfort. If she is pulling on her ears and doesn't respond to your voice, she may have an ear infection---she may not be able to hear well out of the infected ear.
Fever
Your infant may run fever in conjunction with an ear infection. The fever associated with an infant ear infection is usually under 100.4 degrees F, which is considered low grade.
