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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe first sign of an ear infection may be an increase in irritability. Some children cry inconsolably. You may notice your child pulling or tugging on the ear. In addition to a painful earache that is worse when lying down, symptoms of ear infection include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- fluid discharge from the affected ear<\/li>
- a feeling of fullness in the ear<\/li>
- difficulty hearing<\/li>
- trouble sleeping<\/li>
- headache<\/li>
- fever<\/li>
- dizziness<\/li>
- vomiting<\/li>
- diarrhea<\/li>
- lack of appetite<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Is a Child’s Ear Infection Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An ear infection is easily diagnosed through an examination of your child\u2019s ears with an otoscope. If the ears appear dull or red, contain fluid behind the eardrum or pus inside the middle ear, then an ear infection is likely to blame. A hearing test may be recommended, especially if your child has had ear infections in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Are Ear Infections Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many doctors prefer to take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to treating ear infections, especially with younger children. They often clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics or other aggressive forms of medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pain can be managed with medications like Tylenol or Motrin (be sure to avoid giving your child aspirin, which has been linked to a dangerous condition known as Reye\u2019s syndrome) or eardrops. Use a warm washcloth pressed to the ear for comforting relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the ear infection doesn\u2019t go away on its own and is the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n