7 Days Pediatrics - Amboy Office

(732) 548-3210

7 Days Pediatrics - Oak Tree Office

(732) 548-3210

7 Days Pediatrics - South Plainfield Office

(732) 548-3210
Does My Child Have an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are an extremely common occurrence in children. Though they occur often, the symptoms of an ear infection in children and babies are often hard to spot. Being aware of the subtle clues of this condition can help you find and treat your child’s ear infection early. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of ear infections in children with your children's doctor at 7 Days Pediatrics with locations in Child Ear InfectionEdison and South Plainfield, NJ.

What causes an ear infection? 
Ear infections can come from a bacterial or viral infection. The ear infection itself occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected. Normally, fluid inside the ear drains normally through the eustachian tubes. However, if a tube becomes blocked, often due to an illness like a cold or the flu, a buildup occurs, causing an infection. The body begins reacting to the infection to fight it off, resulting in the symptoms associated with an ear infection. Children’s eustachian tubes are smaller and on less of an incline than adults’, making them more susceptible to fluid buildup and, combined with children’s still-developing immune system, infection.

Does my child have an ear infection? 
Ear infections cause pain which most people describe as sharp or throbbing. They can also cause a feeling of fullness in the ear, nausea, muffled hearing, and drainage from the ear. Unfortunately, babies and young children cannot yet talk to communicate these symptoms, resulting in other, more subtle signs your child may have an ear infection. If your child has a reduced appetite, fever, drainage from their ear, or vomiting, they may have an ear infection. You may also notice them tugging on their ear, having trouble sleeping, or being much more clingy and whiney than normal.

Ear Infection Treatments in Oak Tree and Amboy in Edison, NJ and South Plainfield, NJ 
Treating ear infections in children depend on whether the infection is viral or bacteria. Often, your children's doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat an ear infection. Over-the-counter painkillers or ear drops may also help treat the symptoms of an infection. In cases of recurring infections, tubes placed into the ears can help prevent further ear infections by helping the eustachian tubes drain properly.

For more information on ear infections or their symptoms, please contact your children's doctor at 7 Days Pediatrics in Edison and South Plainfield, NJ. Call (732) 548-3210 to schedule your appointment at any of the 7 Days Pediatrics locations today!