Childhood ear infections are common. Here are the warning signs…

When kids are young they can’t always tell you when things hurt. That’s when it’s helpful to know what behaviors and habits to look for to determine whether your child has an ear infection. Does an ear infection require turning to our Edison, South Plainfield, Perth Amboy and Woodbridge, NJ, board-certified pediatricians right away or can they be treated at home? What are the warning signs of an ear infection?

Why are kids more likely to get ear infections than adults?

The fact remains: Children under three years old are prone to ear infections. For one, their immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight away certain germs. Second, the internal structures of the ears haven’t fully developed yet, meaning that it’s easier for ears to collect fluid rather than drain properly. While some children may also develop a fever, this isn’t necessarily a symptom that happens to every child with an ear infection.

Of course, you should be on the lookout for these symptoms associated with an ear infection,

• Ear drainage or pus
• Tugging or pulling at the ear
• Difficulty hearing or understanding
• Irritability or fussiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms or has developed a fever, it’s particularly important that you visit one of our Edison, South Plainfield, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, NJ pediatricians right away for treatment. This is particularly important if you have a child under 6 months who has developed a fever, as antibiotics will be necessary to treat the infection.

How are childhood ear infections treated?

In some cases, particularly with older children, our pediatricians may recommend monitoring the condition and may not immediately prescribe medication, since many ear infections will go away on their own (this is often the case if a child only has a minor ear infection). If the child’s symptoms haven’t improved in about 48 to 72 hours then this is usually the time that parents and pediatricians decide that a round of antibiotics would be best for nixing that nasty ear infection.

The pediatricians at 7 Days Pediatrics are proud to serve the Edison, South Plainfield, Perth Amboy and Woodbridge, NJ, communities. If you suspect that your child might be dealing with an ear infection, call us at (732) 548-3210 to find out if they need to come in for care.