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Ear Pain and Infections

Pulling on the ears does not always mean there is an infection. Ears are these cool things attached to the side of the head and babies like to swat at them. However, swatting at or pulling on an ear, when combined with cold symptoms, fever, vomiting, or fussiness, may indicate an infection of the inner ear. Or it may not. And not all ear infections necessarily require antibiotics. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do.

In Chapter 4, “Seeing and Hearing,” you’ll find much more information about ear pain and ear infections. However, any kid who is in obvious discomfort should probably receive an age- and weight-appropriate dose of pain medication. And you should also know that an eardrum that is infected can rupture, and pus and blood will come running out. This looks scary but isn’t usually an emergency and isn’t caused by waiting until your pediatrician’s office opens. And remember,  it is very important that you do not put anything into your kid’s ear unless instructed by your pediatrician.

Dr. Lara Zibners, Feb 24, 2009

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• Topic: Common Concerns

• Keywords:
• ear pain
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• otitis media

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