Ear Infections in Babies
October 10, 2007 – 9:34 amOne of the most common ailments of babies today is the infamous ear infection. In fact, the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says that three out of four children will suffer from one by the time they are three years old.
It is worrisome when you think there may be something wrong with you baby because they can’t tell you directly. However, there are normally small signs that something is wrong. If your baby is not eating, or doesn’t seem to be sleeping as well as they normally do it should draw your attention. With an ear infection there is commonly a fever, but not always.
Your baby may pull at their ears when they have an ear infection. However, since some babies pull on their ears anyways (out of fascination, boredom?), it does not necessarily mean there is an infection.
There can be a foul smell coming from the ear in some cases. There isn’t a specific method to determining if they have an ear infection, though, without seeing your doctor.
There are a few things you can do to try preventing, or at least reduce the risk of your little one getting an ear infection. From the start, the best thing is to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months if at all possible. Research has shown again and again that breastfed babies will suffer from a significantly less number of ear infections than those who are not.
Of course, being around a multitude of people day in, day out, and in close quarters always runs a small risk. Whatever is in the air, and anything they come into contact with is a potential threat. Therefore, the more time they spend in daycare, the more time they spend exposed to possible risks.
It’s almost common sense, but another way of greatly reducing the risk of ear infection in your baby is to not smoke around them. Likewise, don’t let them spend time around smokers. The secondhand smoke is a great risk to them for causing ear infections, among many other things.
Keep your baby up to date on their vaccines. Some of the illnesses that are prevented through these can also cause an ear infection. Ensuring they do not get one of these will be that much more risk that you have removed.
An ear infection does not seem like that big of a deal, and normally it is a simple thing to treat. However, you should know that in rare cases they can be very dangerous. A sever infection can rupture the eardrum. Although they normally heal very quickly and easily, you should follow you’re your doctor’s orders closely.
Repeated ear infections can lead to a loss in hearing, and scarring inside the ear.
Ear infections are probably going to be something you will deal with at one point of time with your baby. They can be painful for your little one, so pay attention to their cues. If you start to notice any of the little signs, call and make an appointment with your doctor for a check up. If it is an ear infection, it will likely be over with soon. You and your little one will be back to laughing, snuggling, and playing all day long before you know it.
Tags: baby ear infection, child health, child infection, kid health, kid infection
