Symptoms
The symptoms of ear infections can vary in severity, but the most common symptoms include:
- Ear pain: Ear pain is the most common symptom of an ear infection and is often described as a throbbing or aching sensation. The pain may be worse when the child lies down or when they have a cold or allergies.
- Fever: Children with an ear infection may have a fever, which is usually low-grade.
- Difficulty hearing: Children with an ear infection may have difficulty hearing or may complain that everything sounds muffled.
- Drainage from the ear: Children with an ear infection may have drainage from the ear, which can be clear, white, or yellowish in color.
- Other symptoms: Other common symptoms of an ear infection include a headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and irritability. Children may also experience a sense of fullness in the ear or a sensation of pressure.
Causes
Ear infections are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. The fluid may be caused by a variety of factors, including colds, allergies, and exposure to tobacco smoke. Cold viruses can cause inflammation of the eustachian tubes, which can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear. Allergies can also cause inflammation of the eustachian tubes and lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear. Exposure to tobacco smoke can irritate the eustachian tubes and increase the risk of ear infections.
Children are more prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than those of adults, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the middle ear. Children who attend daycare or who have siblings are also more prone to ear infections, as they are more likely to be exposed to cold viruses and other respiratory infections.