A–Z Glossary

Ear drainage

Ear drainage is fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear and may suggest an ear problem rather than teething.

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Ear infection in babies signs

Ear infection in babies signs

Why baby ear infection signs can be subtle Most baby ear infections involve inflammation behind the eardrum, often after a cold or other upper respiratory infection. Swelling in the nose and throat can affect the eustachian tube, the small channel that helps ventilate the middle ear. When fluid is trapped, pressure builds and bacteria or […]

Why babies pull ears

Why babies pull ears

Normal discovery and self-soothing One of the most common reasons babies pull their ears is also one of the least alarming: they have found them. Infants gradually learn that their hands can reach different body parts, and the ear is easy to grasp. Pulling, rubbing, folding, or patting the ear may simply be sensory exploration. […]

Symptoms of ear infection baby

Symptoms of ear infection baby

Why ear infections can be hard to spot in babies Acute otitis media, commonly called a middle ear infection, occurs when the air-filled space behind the eardrum becomes inflamed and fluid collects. In babies, this often follows an upper respiratory infection because congestion can interfere with drainage through the eustachian tube. The result may be […]

When ear infection needs doctor

When ear infection needs doctor

Why babies need a lower threshold for medical review In babies, an ear infection may involve the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. It commonly follows a viral upper respiratory infection, when congestion interferes with drainage through the eustachian tube. Pressure and inflammation can produce pain, fever, irritability, and disrupted sleep. However, these […]

Ear infection vs teething confusion

Ear infection vs teething confusion

Why the Confusion Happens Ear infection vs teething confusion happens because infants communicate discomfort with a limited behavioral vocabulary. A baby who has gum pressure may chew, cry, wake frequently, refuse a bottle or breast briefly, and rub the side of the face. A baby with acute otitis media may also cry, sleep poorly, feed […]