An ear infection is a collection of fluid with swelling and pain in the ear. The infection can be in the inner or outer ear canal. A child with this type of infection must be seen by a doctor. The infection may be treated with an antibiotic. Chronic ear infections, if not treated, may lead to hearing loss.

Things that may put your child at risk for an ear infection:

• colds and allergies
• drinking from a bottle while lying down/propping bottle
• smoking near your child (anywhere in the house or car)
• swimming

Signs of ear infection:

• ear pain
• ear drainage
• fever
• changes in hearing
• dizziness (older children)

Other children may have fussiness, especially when lying down. They may not want to suck on a bottle or pacifier. They may also pull or poke at their ear and have swelling behind or below the ear.

Things to do at home to prevent ear infections:

• Do not let anyone smoke around your child.
• Hold your baby while feeding.
• Never let your baby lay flat while drinking a bottle.
• Never prop your baby’s bottle.
• Do not clean the inside of your child’s ear with a Q-tip® or any other object.
• Use good handwashing to help prevent the spread of germs.

Medications:

• If your child's doctor prescribes any medicine, give the medicine exactly as ordered.
• You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain or fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C). Be sure to follow the package instructions for the amount to give your child based on his weight and age. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

Keep your child’s follow-up doctor appointment to be sure the infection is gone.

His appointment is on ______/______/______ at ________________________

in the _______________________________________________________.

Call your child’s doctor or the Children’s Mercy Information Line
at (816) 234-3188, if:

• Your child still has a fever or pain after taking the prescribed medication for more than two days.
• Your child won’t drink.
• Your child is not getting better. You see drainage coming from your child’s ear.
• You are concerned about your child's hearing and speech.
• You have questions or concerns.

Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

Kansas City,Missouri                                                       Overland Park,Kansas

Care cards are provided as a public education service. The information does not replace instructions your physician gives you. If you have questions about your child's care, please call your physician.

Estas instruccions son provistas como un servicio educacional. La information no sustituye las instrucciones de su medico. Si tiene preguntas encuanto al duidado de su niño, por favor llame a su medico.