Useful tips

What should I do if my baby has an ear infection?

What should I do if my baby has an ear infection?

Call your baby’s doctor if you think they might have an ear infection, and:

  1. They’re younger than 6 months.
  2. Symptoms don’t go away after 1-2 days.
  3. They have a fever.
  4. You can tell their ear pain is severe.
  5. Your baby stays restless and whiny after getting over a cold or chest infection.

How long does it take for a baby’s ear infection to go away?

Ear Infection Treatment Most ear infections go away without the use of antibiotics. Symptoms typically improve after a couple of days, with full recovery after one to two weeks. However, call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after a day or two.

What happens if a baby has an untreated ear infection?

If left untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. Ear infections usually go away in a few days. Your doctor will likely treat your child’s pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or eardrops.

What to do if your baby has an ear infection?

Place a few drops of olive oil or garlic oil in the ears of your baby. You can also try pouring drops of lobelia or mullein oil. Garlic and olive leaf extracts are also effective in treating ear infection.

Do babies ear infection heal on its own?

Babies who are 6 months and younger, and children with severe cases, may need to be treated with antibiotics. For most other children, doctors recommend a wait-and-see approach for two to three days, because ear infections usually clear up on their own .

When to seek treatment for an ear infection?

Seek medical treatment as soon as possible for an examination of the ear if an ear infection is suspected. Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience a sudden loss in hearing in one or both ears (usually occurring over a period of less than 24-48 hours).

How can a baby develop an ear infection?

Ear infections often occur when a child has a cold, sinus infection or allergies . Babies and toddlers don’t have the language skills to verbally communicate with you that their ear hurts, so it is helpful for you to know and watch for common ear infection signs.