Newborn baby care and health is often the prime concern for a parent and any baby that is not comfortable would make life uncomfortable for the parent too. While not every tantrum or bad mood is because the baby is craving attention, it might be a medical problem. During ear infections that tell tale signs are change in mood, the child is easily irritated and may turn fussy. A slight fever coupled with visual signs like discharge of fluids from the ear tugging, grabbing or pulling the ear and inserting the fingers might tell a parent that the child is suffering from ear infection. Unrelated signs like diarrhea can be a result of an ear infection.

The ear infection is called “Otitis Media” in medical terminology, can be of both bacterial and viral origin. This is swelling of inner ear caused by blocked tubes which promotes breeding of germs. Babies are particularly vulnerable to ear infections as during the growth stage the tube (Eustachian tube) that drains the fluid into the throat and nose is small and horizontal , thus susceptible to blockage.

Although the infection is usually taken care by the body itself, doctors prescribe anti-biotic for the baby. For Repetitive and persistent infection doctors also perform surgical implant of “Ear Tubes” in children which creates alternate air passage, thereby culling germ growth in the inner ear.

Ear infections are too common yet should be a matter of concern for the parents. Consistent ear infections are not a good sign for the health of the baby and can become a health issue in later life. Precautions like proper vaccination, sanitation and practices like regular hand wash both for parent and baby should be practiced. Thus, although it may seem too casual, ear infection can lead to various problems like permanent damage to ear structures or hearing loss which can hamper the learning process. For a healthy baby do not overlook any tell tale signs of trouble in the ears and consult a doctor.