Common Baby Illness - Ear Infection

Ear Infections problems in older baby and toddler are very common, but not in infants. The problems usually occur in the middle ear because at this age the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the throat is narrow and easily blocked.

Virus infections may cause swelling of the lining of the throat hat blocks the Eustachian tube, preventing normal drainage of the middle ear and allowing secondary infection to grow behind the eardrum, where it causes pain. Older baby and toddler catch frequent virus infections (or 'colds), until they build up immunity, you will notice this when your child starts mixing with other children after six months of age.

A problem with ears is caused by either:

• An acute infection from infected mucus. This is painful so the baby's behavior may change dramatically. Baby may have screaming attacks, whine more than usual or develop a sudden sleep problem. It’s always worth having your baby's ears checked when these things happen. Antibiotics and pain relievers may be given, but are not always needed.

• a more chronic collection of mucus in the middle ear. This is called glue ear. Glue ear is generally not painful, but transient earaches occur especially at night, so a change in night sleep patterns may occur even when a baby is happy during the day. Treatment for glue ear ranges from none, to medication, to insertion of tubes depending on the frequency, the discomfort and the amount of hearing loss.

Read more on common baby illnesses: Ear infections, Fever