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Did you know if your baby or young child has a cold, it could make their ears sick too? This sickness is called Otitis Media, or middle ear infection.
Why does it happen
During a cold, the eustachian tubes - which connect the middle ears to the throat - can become blocked. This stops fluid draining from the middle ear. The trapped fluid becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses to grow into an ear infection.
Get to know the signs of otitis media
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Common cold
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Fever
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Pain in the ear
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Runny fluid or pus from the ear
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Irritability
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Diarrhoea or vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Not hearing properly
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Kids pulling on their ears
Sometimes there are no signs
Getting your kids ears checked by the health worker, nurse or doctor regularly can pick up middle ear infections when there are no symptons.
Treat Otitis Media seriously because untreated infections can cause permanent hearing loss and impact on a child’s social development.
For more information
Click this to visit the Australian Government's Care for Kids Ears website.
 
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