Having an ear infection at any age is a very unpleasant experience. For infants and young children, it can be extremely painful.
Preventive Measures
- Remove irritants and allergy-causing agents from your home — dust, cleaning fluids and tobacco smoke.
- If you or your child is susceptible to food allergies, cut back on wheat products, corn products or specific food that may cause allergic reactions.
- Pay close attention to your baby’s health — particularly if you are not breast-feeding. Bottle-fed babies are more likely to get ear infections.
When to Call the Doctor
- If your baby has symptoms of an ear infection or has difficulty hearing.
- If you or your child have an earache that lasts more than two days.
- If your child’s body temperature rises above 100 degrees.
- If you or your child frequently develop ear infections.