Ear aches can be a sign of ear infections. An ear infection or otitis media is considered as one of the most common diagnosed illness for toddlers. There are many signs and symptoms of ear infection. According to the NIDOCD or the “National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders”, 3 out of 4 toddlers’ experiences ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. The signs and symptoms of ear infections are wide-ranging and can be hard to identify especially in toddlers who are limited in speech. Below is a detailed list of the various signs and symptoms of ear infection.
Cold Symptoms – Almost all cases of ear infections happen after or during a cold. When the virus or the cold itself affects the sinuses, the drainage often reaches the middle ear. This causes infection and irritation. It is extremely uncommon for toddlers to acquire an ear infection without any cold symptoms
Fever – A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 102 degrees Fahrenheit are sometimes accompanies by an ear infection but not all toddlers with ear infection will have fever. Always remember that a fever is an indication that the child or someone is sick and but be brought to a physician.
Vomiting or Diarrhea – Although a lot of people don’t associate ear aches and infections with vomiting or diarrhea, the virus that caused the infection might affect the digestive system.
Irritability – Ear infections can make anyone irritable.
Ear Pulling – This is the most obvious symptom of ear infection, toddlers have this habit of pulling their ears because of the discomfort they are experiencing. On the other hand, some toddlers also pull their ears whenever they’re bored, fussy or sleepy so it can be a bit difficult to really know if your kid is suffering from an ear infection.
