How to Know If Your Baby Has an Ear Infection or Just Teething
Did you know that teething can be confused with an ear infection in babies?
While these two things might seem completely different concerns, the signs and symptoms can often overlap. For example, when your baby starts tugging on their ear, you may assume that’s a clear sign that they have an ear infection. While this is possible, pulling on the ear could also mean your baby is teething because as the tooth erupts, the perforation can cause inflammation in the gum and subsequent pain that radiates to the adjacent ear.
In addition to pulling on their ears, other shared signs and symptoms include:
Waking more frequently in the night
More fussing than usual during the day
Flushed cheeks
Reduced appetite or pushing food away
Rubbing their cheeks
Unwillingness to lie flat
So, how can you tell the difference between teething and an ear infection?
Symptoms that would suggest your baby is teething include:
A low fever (below 38 °C)
Swollen, red gums
Excessive drooling
Sore or tender gums
Wanting to chew on hard things
On the other hand, if an ear infection is to blame, your child may have the following symptoms:
A fever of up to 40 °C (50% of children will have a fever with their ear infection)
Cold symptoms—ear infections are almost always preceded by a cold
Discharge from the ear
Complaining of ear pain or hearing loss
Not reacting to auditory cues
Loss of balance (if applicable, depending on age)
What should you do if you suspect your baby is teething?
Teething is a natural process that all babies go through, so while there are no specific ‘treatments’, there are some things you can do to make your baby feel more comfortable during the process:
Rub your baby’s gums: Use a clean finger or wet piece of gauze to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can help relieve discomfort.
Keep their gums cool: Give your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething ring to suck on. The cool temperature can be soothing to their gums.
Try an over-the-counter remedy: If your baby seems particularly fussy or uncomfortable, consider giving them infant pain medication recommended by your Pharmacist.
What should you do if you suspect your baby has an ear infection?
If you notice signs of an ear infection, you need to take them to their doctor as soon as possible. If your doctor determines that your baby has an ear infection, they’ll likely prescribe an antibiotic. They may also recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers and applying warm compresses to the infected ear as needed.
In summary:
While the signs and symptoms of teething and ear infections often overlap, there are distinguishing symptoms with each. Therefore, if your baby is exhibiting symptoms mentioned in this article and you are concerned, it is always recommended you visit your doctor for a check-up rather than self-diagnose, so they can determine the exact nature of their discomfort and treat accordingly.
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Image source: Unsplash - Colin Maynard
