My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

Ear Infection Health Center

Email a Friend

Print Article

Ear Infection Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Ear Infections - Topic Overview

(continued)

Your doctor can give your child antibiotics, but ear infections often get better without them. Talk about this with your doctor. Whether you use them will depend on how old your child is and how bad the infection is.

Minor surgery to put tubes in the ears may help if your child has hearing problems or repeat infections.

Can ear infections be prevented?

There are many ways to help prevent ear infections. Do not smoke. Ear infections happen more often to children who are around cigarette smoke. Even the fumes from tobacco smoke on your hair and clothes can affect them. Hand-washing and having your child immunized can help, too.

Also, make sure your child does not go to sleep while sucking on a bottle. And try to limit the use of group child care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about ear infections:	What is a middle ear infection? What causes a middle ear infection? What are the symptoms? How long does an ear infection last? Does it always occur during another illness, like a cold?
Being diagnosed:	How is an ear infection diagnosed?
Getting treatment:	How soon do I need to start treatment for my child's ear infection? Can I treat my child's ear infection at home? What medicines are used to treat an ear infection? Should I give my child antibiotics for an ear infection? Should I have my child treated for fluid buildup in the ear?
Ongoing concerns:	What if my child's ear infection does not improve? What if it keeps coming back? Can an ear infection be prevented?
Helping a sick child:	How can I help my child feel better?

< Previous Page

1 | 2

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 13, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

true