Q: Symptoms of ear infection?

Posted Friday, December 12, 2008 3:17 PM

Q: How can I tell if baby has an ear infection?

Dr. Paula Prezioso: Ear infections are the most common reason children visit their pediatrician for a sick visit. The problem is these symptoms can include fever, irritability, and sometimes ear pulling. Symptoms can also be a sign of any viral infection -- or even teething (though teething doesn’t come with fever). Since most ear infections are caused by viruses, they usually clear up with fluids and time (of course, pain medication helps too!), but they don’t always require a visit to the doctor. In many cases, doctors wait on using antibiotics, so they may ask the parents to monitor the child and return to the office if symptoms progress.

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