Ear problems of newborn babies

Ear problems are common among babies. In fact, by age 3, more than 75 percent of children have had an ear infection. Infants with an ear infection will cry inconsolably or show other indications of irritability, according to Medline Plus. Fever and difficulty sleeping are also common signs. Contrary to popular belief, tugging on the ear is not a good indicator, according to Medline Plus, because babies without an infection tug on their ear just as often as those who do have an infection.

Otitis media is the most common type of ear infection in children, according to MedlinePlus. It can be acute, meaning a brief but painful episode, or chronic, meaning it lingers for a long period or comes and goes. Left untreated, such ear infections can become severe, leading to complications such as ruptured ear drums, scarring, hearing loss and meningitis.

Ear infections tend to occur when the Eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the throat, fill with fluid, giving germs a fertile breeding ground. Possible causes of such blockages are allergies, colds, overgrown adenoids and tobacco smoke, according to Medline Plus. Infants' tubes are prone to such backup because they are particularly short, according to Medline Plus.

Ear infections in infants can often clear up on their own, but standard procedure for children under age 6 months is to treat them with antibiotics. Among the common choices are amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin and cefdinir, according to Medline Plus. If the infection is persistent, doctors sometimes surgically place small tubes into the eardrums, allowing air to get in and fluids to drain.

Ear problems Prevention

Limiting your baby's exposure to germs can reduce the chance of an ear infection. One idea is to choose a day care with no more than six children, according to MedlinePlus. Another is to wash hands and toys frequently. Breastfeeding can help, possibly because the milk offers immune-building antibodies, according to BabyCenter. Getting your child immunized, especially with the pneumococcal vaccine, is also crucial.

Baby Care Topics: Feeding your baby|What should my baby wear? | Bathing and Washing your Baby | Overcoming sleeping problems in your baby


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