When a baby experiences discomfort, parents often struggle to determine the cause. Since babies cannot verbally express their aches, careful observation is essential. Symptoms can overlap between common conditions, making it difficult to tell if a baby is teething or has an ear infection. This article guides parents in differentiating these conditions, helping them identify signs and know when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Teething Signs
Teething is a natural developmental phase where a baby’s first teeth emerge through the gums, typically starting around six months of age, though it can occur as early as three months or as late as twelve months. This process causes inflammation and discomfort. Common signs include increased drooling, sometimes leading to mild rashes around the mouth. Babies may also exhibit heightened irritability, fussiness, and a strong desire to chew on objects to soothe sore gums.
Gums might appear red or swollen where teeth are about to erupt. Eating patterns can change, as some babies might refuse food due to gum tenderness, while others find comfort in chewing. A slight temperature elevation, generally below 100.4°F (38°C), can occur, and babies might rub their cheeks or ears due to radiating pain. However, teething does not cause high fevers, diarrhea, or severe illness.
Recognizing Ear Infection Symptoms
Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses infect the space behind the eardrum, often leading to fluid buildup. These infections are a common reason for young children to visit a pediatrician and frequently follow a cold or upper respiratory infection. A common sign is pain inside the ear, which can make an infant fussy or irritable.
Babies with an ear infection may cry more than usual, experience difficulty sleeping, and show a decreased appetite, sometimes refusing to eat due to pressure changes during swallowing. A fever is a frequent symptom, often ranging from 100.5°F to 104°F (38°C to 40°C). Other indicators include fluid draining from the ear, a loss of balance, or unresponsiveness to sounds.
Distinguishing Between Teething and Ear Infections
While both teething and ear infections can cause a baby to be irritable, ear pulling, or sleep trouble, distinct differences exist. A low-grade temperature, typically below 100.4°F (38°C), is sometimes associated with teething, but a higher fever, often 100.4°F (38°C) or above, more strongly indicates an ear infection. If a baby’s temperature consistently rises after fever medicine wears off, it may point towards an infection.
Ear pulling can occur with both conditions because the pain from erupting teeth can radiate to the ear. However, if ear tugging is accompanied by a higher fever, persistent crying, and difficulty sleeping when lying down, it is more suggestive of an ear infection. Teething discomfort is generally manageable, and symptoms may come and go, whereas ear infection pain tends to be more severe and continuous.
Other illness symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough preceding the ear pain, also lean toward an ear infection. The presence of clear, yellow, or bloody fluid draining from the ear is a strong indicator of an ear infection and is not a symptom of teething. While teething primarily affects the gums and mouth, ear infections impact the middle ear and can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Home Care
Parents should contact a pediatrician if their baby’s symptoms suggest an ear infection, especially if the baby is under six months old and has any fever. For babies older than six months, a fever above 102.2°F (39°C) warrants medical attention. Seek care if symptoms persist for more than 48 to 72 hours, if pain worsens, or if there is any fluid draining from the ear.
Home care for teething discomfort includes offering chilled teething rings or a cold, wet washcloth for the baby to chew on. Gentle gum massage with a clean finger can also provide relief. For mild fussiness, ensuring adequate hydration and providing comfort can be beneficial. This information serves as general guidance, and always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and advice.