An ear infection is the result of bacteria or a virus infecting the space behind the eardrum, which can result in a buildup of pressure and fluid, leading to pain and difficulty hearing. Infants can get ear infections, though it's not necessarily as common as you think. You can't treat them with probiotics, however.
Ear Infection
When bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, pus and fluid accumulate and cause the eardrum to bow. This causes discomfort in the ear, which can result in a child being cranky or pulling at the affected ear. Infants may also develop a fever with an ear infection. Infections are most likely in infants who have a cold or other illness that is causing congestion, though they can occur at any time.
Misdiagnosing Infections
Ear infections are relatively common in older babies and young children, and while they're not infrequent in infants either, they're commonly overdiagnosed by well-meaning parents who interpret any ear-pulling behavior as indicating that the ears hurt. In fact, however, babies pull on their ears as a form of self-discovery, and ear-pulling in the absence of other indicators of illness, such as crying or fever, isn't likely a sign of ear infection.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that positively impact human health, often preventing overgrowth of other bacteria species that have a negative impact. While they're very useful in certain applications -- probiotic bacteria can promote gut health, for instance -- there's no evidence that they either treat or prevent ear infections in infants. If you suspect your child has an ear infection, it's best to see a pediatrician rather than attempting to treat it at home with probiotics.
Treatment
Most ear infections are relatively minor and don't require treatment, explains MayoClinic.com -- they clear up on their own. Others are more severe, and if there's reasonable suspicion by your pediatrician that they're bacterial, they may require antibiotics. You can manage your child's pain by using a warm compress on the affected ear or ears. Your pediatrician may also recommend an over-the-counter analgesic for pain, often coupled with numbing ear drops.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Ear Infection
- "What To Expect The First Year"; Heidi Murkoff et al; 2009
- "Eat, Sleep, Poop"; Scott Cohen, M.D.; 2010
