Does your baby have ear pain? He may be suffering from an ear infection. What are the symptoms ? How to relieve a baby who has an ear infection?
Otitis is a very common ear inflammation and painful but rather benign in babies and children. In case of doubt, consulting a doctor makes it possible to set up treatments for ease that earache. How do you know if a baby has an ear infection? What treatments to treat infant otitis?
What are the symptoms of ear infection in babies?
“THE baby’s ears are sore and the pain may be associated with fever” indicates Dr. Sylvie Dieu Osika, pediatrician. Certain signs can alert parents and push them to make an appointment for a consultation. “Babies express their pain in tears and when they grow up they can mention their pain or show their ear” reminds the pediatrician. If the child is in pain and wake up at night must be consulted. “However, Just because a baby is touching their ears doesn’t mean they have an ear infection. Indeed, many infants touch their ears before going to bed. as a sign of great fatigue. We regularly observe a confusion between otitis and the fatigue of the baby“emphasizes Dr Dieu Osika. Otitis can occur alone or be accompanied another ENT disease such as a cold or sore throat. Otitis can affect one or both ears.
What is the cause of otitis in babies?
“Ear infections in babies are essentially of viral or bacterial originespecially before 2 years” supports our interlocutor. They can be linked to a common cold. Sometimes the child may develop serous otitis.
To treat an otitis, the pediatrician will prescribe a antibiotic to get rid of the bacteria. In order to lower the fever and relieve the pain, painkillers are also recommended such as paracetamol. “Be careful with never clean baby’s ears whether with a cotton swab or other that could form ear plugs“ warns the pediatrician.
How long does an ear infection last in babies?
Symptoms of otitis in babies improve in 2 days on average but treatment in children under 2 years old should be continued for 10 days. It usually heals in 5 to 10 days if there are no complications.
Can a baby fly with an ear infection?
Air travel is not recommended children the first 2 days of otitis: the ears being clogged, the pressure in the device risks causing them terrible pain.
Thanks to Dr. Sylvie Dieu Osika, pediatrician and author of the book “The ABCs of baby’s first year” (Hatier).