Baby ear infections are common but are usually nothing to worry about. Many young children will not need antibiotics and can be treated with home remedies, such as acetaminophen, warm compresses, and drinking more fluids.
How can I treat my baby’s ear infection without antibiotics?
Here are six home remedies.
- Warm compress. Try placing a warm, moist compress over your child’s ear for about 10 to 15 minutes. …
- Acetaminophen. If your baby is older than 6 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve pain and fever. …
- Warm oil. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- Elevate your baby’s head. …
- Homeopathic eardrops.
How long does it take for an ear infection to heal without antibiotics?
How Long Do Ear Infections Last? Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days, even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
What happens if a baby’s ear infection goes untreated?
Ear infection treatment
If left untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. Ear infections usually go away in a few days. Your doctor will likely treat your child’s pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or eardrops.
Will ear infections clear on their own?
Most ear infections cure themselves without the help of antibiotics. “An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the ear. It becomes painful when buildups of fluid and inflammation occur in the air-filled space behind the eardrum,” says Leanna Munoz, Mayo Clinic Health System nurse practitioner.
What does a baby ear infection look like?
Your little one may develop an ear infection when a virus or bacteria infect and trap fluid behind the eardrum. This extra fluid causes pain and bulging of the eardrum. Common signs that your baby has an ear infection include crying, irritability, tugging at the ear, difficulty feeding, ear drainage, and fever.
When should I take my baby to the doctor for an ear infection?
Call your baby’s doctor if you think they might have an ear infection, and:
- They’re younger than 6 months.
- Symptoms don’t go away after 1-2 days.
- They have a fever.
- You can tell their ear pain is severe.
- Your baby stays restless and whiny after getting over a cold or chest infection.
How long do ear infections last in babies?
Ear infections are very common in young children. Most ear infections are not cured after the first dose of antibiotic. Often, children don’t get better the first day. Most children get better slowly over 2 to 3 days.
How can I help my baby sleep with an ear infection?
Children over the age of two can be encouraged to sleep propped up with pillows. With younger infants, you can give their crib mattress a slight incline by placing a thin pillow or two beneath the mattress itself. Warm compresses can provide some temporary pain relief.
How many days does an ear infection last?
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
Can you have an ear infection for months?
Chronic otitis media- This is a middle ear infection that does not go away, or happens repeatedly, over months to years. The ear may drain (have liquid coming out of the ear canal). It can often be accompanied by a tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss. Usually chronic otitis media is not painful.