Ear Infections: The Facts
Ear infections (otitis media) happen when viruses or bacteria get
inside the ear. Ear infections are a common childhood illness and
can result from colds or allergies.
Ear infections in children rarely require emergency room care and
can usually wait until the next day to be checked. It is important,
however, that you call your child’s primary care provider
(PCP) so that he or she can monitor the ear infection, decide when
to see your child, and prescribe treatment, if necessary.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Younger children (under 3 years old) with ear infections are
usually fussy and irritable.
- They may also have trouble sleeping, feeding, or hearing. A
fever and stuffy or runny nose may also be present.
- Older children (3 years of age and older) often complain about
ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and hearing loss.
A fever and stuffy or runny nose may also be present.
 What
Should I Do At Home?
These are some things you can do at home to make your child feel
better until you can take your child to his or her PCP:
- Give medicine for fever and pain. Be sure to follow dosage directions
on the bottle.
- Children under 2 months: Call your child’s PCP for directions.
- Children 2 months & older: Give acetaminophen (Tylenol)
drops, elixir or chewables.
- Children 6 months & older: Ibuprofen (Motrin) may be used
instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Put a warm damp cloth on ear to help with pain. (Never put a
heating pad directly on skin).
- Children may be more comfortable with their heads raised rather
than lying flat.
- Never put anything in your child’s ear unless your child’s
PCP tells you to.
How Can I Prevent Future Ear Infections?
- Feed your baby in an upright position.
- Do not “prop” your baby’s bottle or put your
child to bed with a bottle.
- Do not allow your children to be exposed to smoke.
- Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently with
warm water and soap. Teach your children handwashing at an early
age.
- Limit closeness to other adults or children who are coughing
and sneezing.
- Teach your child to blow the nose gently with mouth open.
...Be Prepared
Keep the Following Information Handy
When you need medical advice, remember to call your child’s
primary care provider (PCP) first. Same day appointments can usually
be made if your child is sick. Ask what you can do at home while
you are waiting for the PCP to see your child.
You may also call the Nurse Advice Line, available 24 hrs. a day,
at 1-800-606-9880. If you are a person with a hearing impairment,
you may call the TDD/TTY number, 1-800-648-6056.
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