When to Worry: Signs That Your Child Might Have an Ear Infection

Your child's ears are at risk of infection because their eustachian tubes are smaller than that of an adult's. It doesn't help that theirs are straight, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter and travel to your child's middle ear to cause an infection. At Western Michigan Pediatrics, serving Grand Rapids and Jenison, MI, our pediatricians can treat an infection. But how do you know your child has one?

A Baby Will Tug on Their Ear 

 Before your child is old enough to speak to you and tell you they have a sore ear, your child may tug on their ear or rub it.

Crankiness 

 Prior to your child being able to communicate with you, and even if they're just younger, they may be cranky or irritable. The issue may only worsen whenever they lie down. Sucking on a bottle or pacifier can also lead to them becoming fussier.

Pain

 Ear infections can cause your child pain. Besides the pain, your child may also feel like their ears feel plugged or full rather than just pain.

Feeling Generally Unwell

 Your child may just not feel well. Rather than getting up and running around like usual, your child may lie around for the day and watch TV or movies or play video games. This could particularly be the case if they had a cold or flu first.

Fever 

 Just like you, your child's body temperature will rise in an effort to kill off any intruders like bacteria or viruses. Therefore, whenever your kid develops an ear infection, it's possible they'll develop a fever as they're fighting off the infection.

Fluid Drainage 

 Your child's ear may leak a clear fluid when they have an ear infection. In some cases, pus will drain from their middle ear.

Difficulty Hearing

 Your child may have difficulty hearing whenever they have an ear infection. They may have either temporary hearing loss, or they may complain that their hearing sounds muffled.

Change in Appetite 

 Whenever your child is feeling unwell, their appetite may change, and they won't want to eat nearly what they usually do, if they want to eat at all.

Sleep Changes

 Especially in younger children, a child may have difficulty getting and staying asleep. This usually has to do with the pain that the infection is causing.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, contact Western Michigan Pediatrics, serving Grand Rapids and Jenison, MI, to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment approach.

Call our office today at:

Grand Rapids - 616-949-6112

Jenison - 616-457-3510