Baby Ear Infection vs. Teething Pain – How Are They Similar?
Before we dive deeper into baby ear infection vs. teething pain, let’s establish the similarities. Both ear infection and teething can cause your baby to be fussy and irritable. They may also have trouble sleeping through the night. You may notice that your baby is rubbing or tugging at their ears, which can be a sign of pain in the general area.
Ear Infection Symptoms That Don’t Happen During Teething
There are a few symptoms that are unique to ear infections. For example, your baby may have a high fever if they have an ear infection. They may also experience fluid drainage from the affected ear. If your child is old enough to speak, they may tell you about ear pain. Look out for these symptoms:
- Your baby may have a fever of 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Yellow, brown or white fluid different from earwax may be draining from the ear.
- The area around the ear may appear red and swollen.
- Your baby may have trouble hearing.
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to see the doctor. They’re more indicative of baby ear infection vs. teething. In fact, teething doesn’t cause a fever at all.
Telltale Signs of Teething
Now that we’ve covered baby ear infection vs. teething, let’s focus on teething specifically. Here are some common signs that your baby is cutting teeth:
- excessive drooling;
- chewing on everything in sight;
- gum swelling and sensitivity.
If your baby is teething, you may also notice that they’re more cranky than usual. They may have trouble sleeping and eating. And their poop may become watery or mucus-like. The irritability and fussiness can also be true for ear infections, but again, teething doesn’t cause a fever. Only the behavioral symptoms overlap.
How to Soothe Baby Ear Infection vs. Teething Pain
There are a few things you can do to relieve baby ear infection vs. teething pain. For ear infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or ear drops. They may also recommend over-the-counter pain medication. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
If your baby is teething, you can try a few different things to ease their discomfort. You can give them a frozen washcloth or teething toy to chew on. You can also rub their gums with your finger. Some parents opt for teething gels, but talk to your doctor before using these products. You can also give your baby a dose of infant acetaminophen for the pain.
Can Teething and Ear Infection Happen at the Same Time?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Teething and ear infections can happen at the same time. But don’t worry – you can handle it! Just be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to treat both conditions.
If your baby is experiencing both ear infection and teething pain, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better. First, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can also give your baby a teething ring to chew on. This will help with the pain and pressure they’re feeling in their gums.
Remember, it’s important to keep an eye on your baby and see how they’re responding to the pain. If they’re not getting any relief from the home remedies you’re trying, be sure to call your doctor. They may need to prescribe a stronger pain reliever or even antibiotics if the ear infection is severe.
When in Doubt, See the Doctor
If you’re ever unsure about baby ear infection vs. teething, it’s always best to see the doctor. They can give you a definitive answer and help you come up with a plan to treat the pain. In the meantime, try some of the home remedies listed above to help your baby feel better. We wish you all the best!
Do you have any other tips for baby ear infection or teething? Let us know in the comments below!
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