Ear infection in baby?

Question

I have a 10 month old baby. He has a slight fever and keeps hitting his right ear. He just got over a cold which makes me think he might have an ear infection. Also, 2 days ago I accidentaly got water in his right ear, so I don't know what caused this, if in fact he has an ear infection. I want to know if anyone knows of any homeopathic remedies to help with this or if anyone has tried Hylands earache tablets or drops. Please let me know what some things I can do are, before I resort to prescription medication. The slight fever just started today so I want to know what to do before it gets bad. He hasn't started crying from pain but he was a little irritable today felt a little warm before bed. Thanks

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

My personal opionion is that you should take him to the doctor to have it checked. You want to know if it is really an ear infection before you try to treat it with anything.

That said, you don't necessarily need antibiotics. Doctors are only supposed to prescribe them now for very small babies or severe infections. If your doctor wants you to use them, make him explain why.

My daughter had one ear infection when she was a year old that actually took three months to get rid of. We went through a lot of antibiotics, and all of them upset her stomach terribly.

After that, she's had several, but I haven't had to use medication again. My daughter typically has ear pain for three days with an ear infection, whether or not we use antibiotics. So now I just give her Tylenol and pamper her through that tough spot.Then it takes a week or more for the infection to go away.

This is just my daughter's experience, but it seems to be a solid pattern with her. Oh, and the first night, she can't lie down. It seems to hurt more when she's horizontal, so we spend one sleepless night propped up on the couch in front of the tv. Luckily, she doesn't get them very often!

Best of luck to you, and I hope he feels better soon.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, I appreciate your advice!! He's doing a little better today I don't think it was his ears, but thanks for your input anyways!!

Answer 2

my mother-in-law uses vodka and vinegar. 1 part 100 proof vodka to 1 part apple cider vinegar. i have used it on my son and it seems to work. just put a few drops in, wait and drain. do both ears and follow with a drop of olive oil. the vodka and vinegar draws out the infection and the olive oil soothes. good luck!

Answer 3

I think my son had an ear infection at about 12 months, his symptoms were much like the ones you are describing. Since his fever never broke 100, I did not call the doctor. I gave him tylenol when needed (not more than recommended of course) and a little extra fluids, rest and cuddle time for the three or four days that it bothered him. Monitor his condition and as long as he doesn't get a really bad fever, you can probably avoid seeing the doctor. Also, I find it can be hard to tell when a baby is teething compared to having an ear infection, so watch for signs of teething also (excess drool, excess chewing, etc). The tylenol would help with that if that were the case. My son seems to get physically all out of sorts when he gets a tooth!

I have not tried any of those remedies so I don't have advice on that one... but I wanted to let you know that getting water in your babies ear will not cause an ear infection unless he has some kind of ear problem - like holes in the eardrum. My little guy has been going under water since he was about 9 months (I teach parent and infant swimming classes) and has never had a problem from water, nor have any of the kids in my classes! He might just have wax blockage that caused the ear to retain some water. You can try using a warm rag and water to rinse the ear out. I have heard that using a suction bulb (without actually sticking in the ear) can help get excess water and wax out, but I have not personally tried this.

Good luck, and if his fever gets bad, I would call the doctor no matter what!