Ear infection
Ear infections are likely one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
- Unexplained crying
- Crankiness or fussiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Tugging at ears (this may also be a sign of teething)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Unexplained fever
- Trouble hearing quiet sounds
How does it spread?
May be caused by a respiratory infection but is not contagious.
What can you do as a parent to help your child?
- Offer your child fluids and encourage them to rest.
- Give acetaminophen (such as Tempra®) or ibuprofen for fever.
NOTE: The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend giving ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old without first talking to your physician. - For children 2 years and older, you can use ear drops such as Auralgan® for quick and effective earache relief.
- See your doctor; an antibiotic may be required.