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Ear Infections

The more you know, the more you can help.

Does any of this happen in your home?

Your child:

• Has been crying all night

• Won't eat

• Wakes up every hour or two

• Runs a fever

• Pulls at his or her ears

If so, your child may have an ear infection.  Bacteria often cause this problem.  Antibiotics may help, but sometimes they do not.  You play a big role in getting your child well.  The more you know about ear infections, the better you can fight them.

What causes an ear infection?

An ear infection begins when fluid builds up in the middle ear.  (The middle ear is the space just behind the eardrum.)  When this fluid does not drain from the middle ear as it should, bacteria often grow.  These bacteria can cause an ear infection.

I think my child has an ear infection.  What should I do?

If you think your child has an ear infection, call your doctor.  Your doctor may write a prescription for an antibiotic.  But don't push for one.  Sometimes it is not needed.  Let your doctor decide the best way to treat your child.

Are antibiotics good for fighting colds?

NO!  They don't work against colds or the flu.  VIRUSES cause colds and the flu.  Antibiotics treat BACTERIAL infections.  Your doctor can tell the difference.

My child feels better.  Does she need to take the rest of the doses?

YES!  Your child may start to feel better before all of the doses have been taken.  But if you stop early, the infection might not be gone.  Give your child ALL of the doses your doctor tells you must be taken.

Tips

• If you think your child has an ear infection, see a doctor.

• Let your doctor decide if an antibiotic is needed.

• Don't ask for an antibiotic if your child has a cold or the flu. 

• Give your child all of the doses on the bottle label. 

• Don't give one child's antibiotic to a sibling.

• Throw away any leftover medicine after your child takes all of the doses the doctor says must be taken.

• Listen to your doctor.  Follow your doctor's instructions.  Give doses at the right time for as many days as needed.

• Always keep medicine out of the reach of children.

Source: Pfizer, Inc., Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals