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Ear Infections

How to Spot and Treat a Common Infant Ailment

By Amy Carey Bowman

Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of bacterial infections in children. Your doctor will have more information about pneumococcal vaccines and can tell you whether this potential preventative measure is appropriate for your baby.

Even if you breastfeed your baby, don't smoke and limit daycare exposure, your child is still bound to get an ear infection at some point. Perhaps your child's weeklong cold suddenly turns into something more: He has a high fever and seems to feel worse, not better.

Once your doctor peers into his ears, and you receive the diagnosis, then what? "Babies with infections that are due to bacteria are typically treated with 10 days of antibiotics," says Dr. Waggoner-Fountain. "The most common is amoxicillin."

If your child experiences repeated infections, your doctor might prescribe a stronger medication or higher dose of amoxicillin to try to knock out resistant bacteria. However, if the infection is viral rather than bacterial, antibiotics will not cure the infection. Your child's illness will eventually resolve itself, but in the meantime, you can give your baby ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and pain with your doctor's approval.

Note that not every doctor is enthusiastic about prescribing antibiotics for every ear infection. According to Dr. Bowers, between 50 and 80 percent of ear infections would go away on their own without medication.

"Some [doctors] would advocate a 'watch and see' approach prior to treating, given the increased rates of bacterial resistance," Dr. Bowers says.

Want to see more?

• A Prescription Primer: A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications for Children
• When to Call the Doctor
• Down the Hatch
• http://babiestoday.com/resources/articles/downhatch.htm

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