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My baby has an ear infection should I see my GP?.
A
Ear infections are very common in
babies and small children and often accompany a cold as the ears and respiratory
tract are interconnected. To recognize the symptoms of earache in your child,
you may notice that your child is pulling or rubbing their ears or the side
of their face.
If your child appears to have earache
but they seem well in themselves with no indication of a temperature (a fever
is anything over 37.5°c/ 99°F), it may be helpful to give them baby
paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain. Do seek advice from your
pharmacist as to the dose appropriate for your Childs age though and do not
exceed the stated dose. If however after 24 hours the pain does not appear to
have subsided or your child is unwell, do see your GP.
Ear infections can affect your Childs
hearing, especially repeated middle ear infections (which is also called otitis
media). Repeated ear infections may lead to a condition called glue ear (or
medically this is known as otitis media with effusion). This is where sticky,
glue like fluid build up in your child’s ear and blocks the ear drum and
canals. It is important if you suspect your child is having repeated ear infections
that you see your GP or health visitor. This condition can affect your Childs
hearing and speech development if not corrected.
health visitor
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