Common Baby and Childhood Illnesses and Ailments- Ears

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	The chart below summarizes common childhood ear-related infections and ailments Note: This chart is only a guide and should not replace your doctor's advice.

Condition	What Are The Signs and Symptoms?	Is It Contagious?
Ear Infection (Otitis Media)	Fussiness, crying, fever over 100° F, reduced appetite, difficulty feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid draining from ear, hearing loss. May pull at ear. Most common after a cold.	No
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)	May rub or pull on earlobe (indicating pain); redness and scaling at entrance to ear; yellow, watery, or smelly discharge from ear; swelling in ear or glands in neck.	No
Ruptured Eardrum	Fussiness, crying, pulling on ear, possible drainage from ear.	No
Teething	Drooling, gum sensitivity, irritability, biting/gnawing, difficulty feeding, difficulty sleeping, runny nose, loose bowel movements, low-grade fever. May pull on ear.	No
Tonsillitis- Bacterial and Viral	Swollen, red, tender tonsils sometimes flecked with white spots. Sore throat; swollen glands; difficulty swallowing; fever; chills; ear pain; cold symptoms.	Yes; can be contagious up to several weeks depending on culprit.