Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the respiratory infections that often precede and accompany them are. To reduce the spread of germs : More…

It depends on your toddler’s symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends an antibiotic if your child has severe symptoms that indicate (or strongly suggest) AOM. If symptoms aren’t severe, AAP guidelines recommend keeping an eye on your child for 48 to 72 hours to see whether he gets better without antibiotics. (Eighty percent of children with AOM get better without antibiotics.) More…

Ear infections are the second most commonly diagnosed illness in children in the United States. More…

They can be. A severe or untreated infection can rupture your child’s eardrum. Ruptures don’t happen often and they generally heal quickly, but it’s important to see your child’s doctor for a follow-up to make sure that the infection has cleared and that the eardrum is healing well. More…

Pain is the number one symptom. If your toddler says, “Mommy, my ear hurts,” or if he can’t talk yet but seems cranky and may be tugging at his ear, an ear infection is a definite possibility. If he’s had a recent cold or sinus infection, that’s a clue, too. He may or may not have a fever. More…