How To Manage Ear Infection In Kids

Why did my child get an Ear Infection?

An ear infection starts when viruses or bacteria grow behind the eardrum in an area called the middle ear. These infectious agents can travel to the area of the middle ear after your child has been sick with a cold or throat infection. If there is fluid/mucus congestion behind the eardrum, it makes it conducive for infections to take place.

When will my child feel better after an Ear Infection?

While a bacterial ear infection begins to improve within 1-2 days of being on antibiotics, a viral ear infection may take a few days to resolve. Once the infection is gone, it will take longer for your child’s body to drain the fluid and mucus from behind the ear. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Kids are usually back to being their normal selves in these latter weeks after the infectious agents are gone from their body.

How long will my child have to take antibiotics for an Ear Infection?

If your child is prescribed antibiotics for treatment of an ear infection, it is very important to complete the entire course as prescribed. Most antibiotic courses are 10 days in duration. There are some courses that are only for 5 or 7 days. Your doctor will decide which antibiotic is best for your child given their symptoms, history of what has been going on during this illness and frequency of ear infections in the past.

Can I see an Online Pediatrician when my child has an Ear Infection?

Absolutely! Much of a Pediatrician’s evaluation involves speaking to parents about the progression of events during this illness and taking a close look at your child. With your help, a Virtual Pediatrician can look at your child’s external ear, examine features of their face & neck and make a diagnosis & decision on what treatment your child needs.

What can I do at home to help my child feel better now?

Symptomatic relief can range from using Tylenol or Ibuprofen if your child is old enough to using warm compresses on the ear and adjusting the position in which kids sleep. It might also involve modifications on how your child drinks from their bottle. Our BabiesMD Pediatricians are experts in talking through the different avenues of treatment to help you and your baby get rest at night again.

Can I prevent my child from getting an Ear Infection?

Some children may be more prone to getting ear infections because of the anatomy of their facial bones or because of recurrent mucus congestion behind the eardrums that can attract bacteria & viruses. However, there are a few things that might reduce their risk of getting ear infections.

1) Make sure your kids get their Flu & Prevnar vaccinations as recommended.
2) Breastfeed your infant to protect against ear infections.
3) Never lay babies flat when they’re taking a bottle or breastfeeding.
4) Avoid second-hand smoke exposure for your kids.
5) Reduce exposure to other children/people who have upper respiratory infections.

Are Ear Infections more common in babies & toddlers?

Because infants have small necks, their eustachian tubes are more horizontal and have a harder time draining fluid and mucus from behind the eardrum. Additionally, infants are often in a laying down position which makes it hard for gravity to help drain fluid from behind their ears. Instead, backflow of breastmilk/formula into the eustachian tube can create moisture behind the middle ear. On top of all this, infants’ immune systems are still young and learning. Exposure to viruses and bacteria cause more infections than in older kids until their body learns to fight them off more effectively.