{"id":1534,"date":"2025-06-30T15:32:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/?p=1534"},"modified":"2025-06-30T15:32:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:32:52","slug":"how-will-i-know-if-my-child-has-an-ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/how-will-i-know-if-my-child-has-an-ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"How Will I Know If My Child Has an Ear Infection?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Because children may not always be able to explain what they\u2019re feeling, it\u2019s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to tell if your child may have an ear infection; and when to seek medical help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> What Is an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An <strong>ear infection<\/strong> (also called <em>otitis media<\/em>) happens when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected with bacteria or viruses. It often occurs after a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children under age 5 are more prone to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the throat) are smaller and more easily blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Signs of Ear Infection in Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child may have an ear infection if they show one or more of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Pulling or Tugging at the Ear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is often the first clue in babies or toddlers who can\u2019t speak yet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They may also rub or hit the side of their head.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Crying More Than Usual<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Especially during feeding or at night when lying down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The pressure from fluid buildup can be painful when lying flat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mild to high fever (above 38\u00b0C or 100.4\u00b0F) may accompany the infection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Difficulty Hearing or Responding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fluid in the ear may muffle sounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your child might seem like they\u2019re ignoring you or watching TV at a louder volume.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Trouble Sleeping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The pain often worsens when lying down due to pressure changes in the ear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Fluid or Pus Coming from the Ear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the eardrum ruptures, you may see yellow or white fluid draining from the ear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This might provide temporary pain relief, but the infection still needs treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Loss of Balance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ear helps with balance, so your child may seem clumsier than usual.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <strong>Poor Appetite or Vomiting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ear pain can make chewing and swallowing uncomfortable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some children also feel nauseated from the pressure in the ear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> When to See a Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>See a healthcare provider if your child:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has ear pain lasting more than a day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has a fever over 38\u00b0C (100.4\u00b0F), especially in children under 2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has discharge coming from the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is very irritable or hard to console<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seems very tired or lethargic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Mascot Healthcare<\/strong>, we offer gentle ear checks and treatment for children. Many ear infections go away on their own, but others may need antibiotics or ear drops depending on the cause and severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Ear Infections Be Prevented?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can help lower your child\u2019s risk by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breastfeeding (provides immune support)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding bottle-feeding while lying down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping your child away from secondhand smoke<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washing hands regularly to prevent colds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting routine childhood vaccinations (like the pneumococcal vaccines)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your child\u2019s ears matter.<\/strong> If you\u2019re unsure, it\u2019s always better to check. Early treatment can prevent complications like hearing problems or repeat infections.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Because children may not always be able to explain what they\u2019re feeling, it\u2019s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs and symptoms to look out for. Here\u2019s how to tell if your child may have an ear infection; and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,32],"tags":[598,110,599],"class_list":["post-1534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-child-and-adolescent-health","category-medical-conditions","tag-er","tag-infection","tag-otitis-media"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear-150x150.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear-200x300.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg","large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"mascothealthcare","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":false,"magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Because children may not always be able to explain what they\u2019re feeling, it\u2019s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs and symptoms to look out for. Here\u2019s how to tell if your child may have an ear infection; and [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["Child and Adolescent Health","Medical Conditions"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":581,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":3,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg",640,960,false],"medium":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear-200x300.jpg",200,300,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"mascothealthcare","author_link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/author\/mascothealthcare\/"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/child-and-adolescent-health\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Child and Adolescent Health<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-conditions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Medical Conditions<\/a>","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Closeup_of_a_human_ear.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1850,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/ear-discharge-what-it-means-and-when-to-see-a-doctor\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":0},"title":"Ear Discharge: What It Means and When to See a Doctor","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"January 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Ear Discharge: What It Means and When to See a Doctor Ear discharge, also known as otorrhoea, is a common symptom that can affect both children and adults. While some causes are mild and easily treatable, others can signal a more serious ear condition that needs prompt medical attention. At\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medical Conditions&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medical Conditions","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-conditions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"ear discharge","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-16-2026-12_43_47-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-16-2026-12_43_47-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-16-2026-12_43_47-PM.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-16-2026-12_43_47-PM.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1721,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/itchy-painful-ears-it-could-be-otitis-externa\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":1},"title":"Itchy, Painful Ears? It Could Be Otitis Externa","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"September 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"If you live in Lagos and have ever felt ear pain after swimming, bathing, or even using cotton buds, you may have experienced otitis externa, also known as swimmer\u2019s ear. At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Lagos, we regularly help patients manage this common but often uncomfortable condition. What is Otitis Externa?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medical Conditions&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medical Conditions","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-conditions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1739,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-ear-infections-from-swimming-in-lagos\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":2},"title":"How to Prevent Ear Infections from Swimming in Lagos","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"October 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Swimming is one of the best ways to stay active and catch some fun in Lagos, but if you\u2019ve ever felt your ear ache, itch, or feel \u201cblocked\u201d after swimming, you might have had a swimmer\u2019s ear infection. At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, we sometimes see patients with ear infections linked\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Wellness and Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Wellness and Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/wellness-and-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Otite_externe.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":527,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/causes-of-convulsion-in-children\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":3},"title":"Causes of convulsion in children","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"July 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Convulsions in children, also known as seizures, can be alarming for parents and caregivers. Various factors can contribute to the occurrence of convulsions in children. It's important to note that a single seizure doesn't necessarily indicate a chronic condition, and many children may experience a seizure at some point without\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Child and Adolescent Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Child and Adolescent Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/child-and-adolescent-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/ct-scan-7000111_640.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1129,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-ear-wax-removal\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":4},"title":"What You Need to Know about Ear Wax Removal","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"April 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the external ear canal. While ear wax plays a crucial role in keeping the ears clean and protected, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing difficulties, and even infections. What Causes Ear Wax Buildup? Ear wax\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medical Treatments and Procedures&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medical Treatments and Procedures","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-treatments-and-procedures\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"ear wax","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ear_Wax.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ear_Wax.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ear_Wax.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1537,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/4-home-remedies-to-prevent-or-remove-ear-wax\/","url_meta":{"origin":1534,"position":5},"title":"4 Home Remedies to Prevent or Remove Ear Wax","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"July 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Ear wax (medically known as cerumen) is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal to protect, clean, and lubricate the ears. While it's beneficial in small amounts, excess buildup can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, itching, or even infections. Here are five simple home remedies that may\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medical Treatments and Procedures&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medical Treatments and Procedures","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-treatments-and-procedures\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BouchonCerumen.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BouchonCerumen.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BouchonCerumen.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1534"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1536,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1534\/revisions\/1536"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}