Signs Your Child Has an Ear Infection

An ear infection happens when the middle ear becomes inflamed and infected, usually from a bacterial or viral infection. It's common in infants and young children due to their underdeveloped immune systems and the structure of their Eustachian tubes. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, trouble sleeping, irritability, and difficulty hearing and require medical attention from our pediatrician in Klamath Falls, OR. Dr. Nicola Cherry of The Children's Clinic of Klamath will recommend treatment that involves antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

Signs Your Child Has an Ear Infection

The signs and symptoms of an ear infection in your child can vary depending on their age, but generally include:

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Difficulty hearing
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Fever
• Headache
• Irritability or fussiness in children
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear

If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to complications such as temporary or permanent hearing loss, a perforated eardrum, which can lead to damage to the ear, and a spread of disease to nearby structures.

Consult Our Pediatrician

Consult our pediatrician if your child has ear pain, fever, trouble sleeping, or pulling at the ear. It's especially critical to seek medical attention if your child is under six months of age, has a weakened immune system, or has recurring ear infections. Dr. Nicola Cherry can evaluate your child's symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor for complications.

Please explore our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions for our pediatrician in Klamath Falls, OR, or want to schedule an appointment, call (541) 884-1224.