Signs of an Ear Infection

Ear infections are some of the most common diseases in children and adults and are equally an incredibly painful experience. Oftentimes, children are unsure why their ear is in excruciating pain, so their symptoms may differ from an adult’s. If you suspect your child has an ear infection, you may need to take them to pediatrics in Levittown NY, and have a doctor prescribe some antibiotics. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of an ear infection between a child and an adult may drastically differ. If a child has an ear infection, they may experience:

• Loss of appetite
• Tugging at the ear
• Irritability 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Fever of 100 F or higher
• Trouble laying on the ear

If an adult has an ear infection, they may experience:

• Earache that is either sharp and stabbing or dull and constant
• Nausea
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Muffled hearing

If these symptoms last for more than a day, it may be time to take your child to pediatrics in Levittown NY, or for you to see your doctor. You should also consider visiting the doctor if any of these symptoms occur in a child less than six months old. It should also be considered if these symptoms occur after someone has just had an upper respiratory cold.

Prevention

Just like any other infection, an ear infection can be prevented with the right steps. 

1. Prevent the common cold and other illnesses. An ear infection is caused by bacteria and a virus in the ear, so it is essential to make sure you and your child are practicing good hygiene. This is very common during flu season, so make sure you and your child are washing your hands thoroughly to prevent getting sick. 
2. Avoiding secondhand smoke will help keep your child’s environment clean and ensure nothing foreign is getting into the ear canal.
3. If possible, breastfeeding your child for the first six months can help prevent an ear infection. Breast milk has antibodies in it that can help prepare and fight the infection before it gets to be extreme.
4. If you bottle-feed your child, make sure they are upright and do not feed them lying down.
5. Talk to your doctor about vaccines. Flu shots and bacterial vaccines can be incredibly beneficial for preventing ear infections and other illnesses.

Pediatrics in Levittown NY

Visit pediatrics in Levittown NY, to not only find out how you can prevent an ear infection but also to help treat one if it occurs. Our team offers ear exams to ensure your child’s ear pain is not detrimental to their hearing. To learn more about how we can help you visit our website or contact us today!