🔍 Signs of Ear Infection
- Pulling or tugging at ear
- Fussiness, especially when lying down
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever (not always present)
- Fluid draining from ear
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble hearing
💡 In babies: Look for increased fussiness, trouble feeding, or waking frequently at night.
💊 Do They Always Need Antibiotics?
Not always! Many ear infections clear on their own in 2-3 days.
✅ Antibiotics recommended for:
- Children under 6 months
- Severe symptoms (high fever, severe pain)
- Infection in both ears (under age 2)
- No improvement after 48-72 hours of observation
⏳ "Wait and see" may be OK for:
- Children over 2 years with mild symptoms
- Single ear infection with low fever
- When child is otherwise healthy
🩹 Pain Relief
While waiting (or along with antibiotics):
- Tylenol or Motrin - Most important for comfort
- Warm compress - Hold against ear
- Keep head elevated - Helps drainage
- Numbing ear drops - Ask your doctor (not for ruptured eardrum)
🚨 When to Go to the Doctor
Seek care immediately if:
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Child is very lethargic or unresponsive
- Stiff neck
- Bloody or pus-like discharge
🧮 Calculate Pain Medicine Dose
Get accurate Tylenol or Motrin dosing
Go to Calculator