An ear infection is usually a bacterial or viral infection  that affects the middle ear , the  air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Ear infection  in children  makes  parents worry especially if they are frequent.

What are the signs of ear infection in children ?

Your child may have ear infection if she is exhibiting these signs.

• ear pain : older children can let you know they are in pain. Younger children may be  irritable and fussy. You may notice this  more during feeding because sucking  and swallowing may cause  painful pressure change in the ear
• trouble sleeping due to ear pain
• loss of appetite
• ear drainage  which may be a yellow or white fluid, possibly with a  tinge of blood  drawing from your child’s ear. Ear pain and pressure may reduce after this drainage but it doesn’t always  mean the infection has gone away. Your child will still need to see the pediatrician
• temporary trouble hearing as a result of the fluid behind the ear drum getting in the way of sound transmission

Other reasons why your child’s ear may hurt include the following :

• teething or sore gum
• sore throat
• infection of the  skin of the ear canal. This is often called swimmer’s ear
• inflammation of the ear drum alone during  a cold without fluid buildup