All Communities > September 2008 Babies > Teething vs. ear infection

Teething vs. ear infection

Ashley - posted on 03/18/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

128

My little girl does not have any teeth yet, and I cannot feel anything on her gums. However, for the past two days, she's been running a low grade fever and pulling on her ears...very cranky...sometimes she won't eat, sometimes she will. Anyone know what I should be looking for to determine if it's an ear infection or just teething? We're giving her Tylenol, as it relaxes her and keeps her from being in too much pain...I'm just not sure what else to do. Is it possible to be teething and not have any signs of teeth coming through. She's been drooling since she was 2 months old, so that's not any different. HELP! :0)

Join Circle of Moms

5 Comments

View replies by

Renee - posted on 03/18/2009

Thats good to hear! It is pretty confusing especially when you hear a lot about "if they pull their ears it's an ear infection". When mine does it still to this day I will then go and gently kinda rub his cheek right by his ear and if he doesn't mind then I figure his ear isn't hurting. I've just chalked it up to teething..with him being fussy and chewing everything...I'll feel much better when I actually see a tooth though lol.

Ashley - posted on 03/18/2009

128

Thanks, Renee. She isn't running a fever today...and she seems to be coming through whatever it was. Hmmm...these babies are confusing sometimes! I appreciate your help, though. This will help me if it comes back. Goodness, it's awful to have a baby that doesn't feel well. It makes me so sad because I want to help her and I don't know what to do.

Renee - posted on 03/18/2009

Hey there I actually had this same problem a couple weeks ago. My little one is 61/2 months and also started to pull his ear quite a bit. I took him to the doc and he didn't end up having one, but still likes to tug his ear. I just found this on-line it might help...but if you're unsure I'd bring her into the docs.

Your child may have 2 or more of these symptoms:

1. Cold symptoms – keep in mind that ear infections are almost always preceded by a cold. Often a clear runny nose will turn yellow or green before an ear infection sets in.
2. Fussiness during the day or night
3. Complaining of ear pain or hearing loss
4. Night-waking more frequently
5. Unwillingness to lie flat
6. Fever – usually low grade (101º - 102º); may not have a fever.
7. Sudden increase in fussiness during a cold
8. Ear drainage – if you see blood or pus draining out of the ear, then it is probably an infection with a ruptured eardrum. DON'T WORRY! These almost always heal just fine, and once the eardrum ruptures the pain subsides.

Ashley - posted on 03/18/2009

128

Yes, she has her checkup next Wednesday. I called on Monday, when it started happening...and the nurse said to give her tylenol (to help with discomfort) and some Pedialyte...to keep her hydrated. I just don't know if I should be looking for something specific or not?????

Angela - posted on 03/18/2009

I would probably take her to the pediatrician or at least call to talk to the nurse. It's really hard to tell. For awhile my son was pulling on his ear and I was worried about an ear infection. The Dr. said that he didn't have one and that they do that when they find their ears. Since your girl is 6 months like my son, she should be going to her 6 month check-up. Good Luck!