Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

My DS has been pulling on his ears the past few days. He seems to do this whenever he is tired or cranky or crying. Otherwise, he has been acting completely normal, and happy.

Last night, however we had a very bad night - he was crying off and on the entire night and twisting around like he was uncomfortable and pulling on his ears alot but, would always mostly stop when held. However, would start again as soon as put down and went on all night long. Unfortunately, this does happen semi-freq since DS is a terrible sleeper HOWEVER, the ear pulling is new. Today - acting totally normal. Took his temp and it was 99.6 which is within the range for him.

My q is this - could he have an ear infection and be acting totally normal most of the time?

I have gone to the dr. b/f after these all night crying episodes with the ped telling me he is perfectly healthy with nothing wrong at all and I hate to do that again!

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

I know that ear pulling could mean ear infection, but it is also a sign of teething.

For me, I would just call the ped to be sure.

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

Posted by jerseypanda

I know that ear pulling could mean ear infection, but it is also a sign of teething.

For me, I would just call the ped to be sure.

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

It could be teething. DS does this and it usually concerns me a little too, but I think he is exploring his ears, and it's just something to do. His ears also tend to get dry, and I've noticed he does this less often if I put cream on them. The last time he went to the doctor, he had a similar episode to your DC, but his ears were fine. She thought this might just be a soothing thing for him also.

Does DC have a fever? If you gently press on the earlobe or behind the ear, does it seem to bother him? If so, definitely call your doctor. If not, call anyway if you are worried.

Hope all is well with DC!

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

For us, DD would pull on her ears when she had an ear infection. I would go to the doctor just to be safe.

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

DD pulls on her ears when she's tired and when she's teething.

I've been to the Dr. office a few times becasue of it and her ears were always fine.

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

Posted by itsbabytime

Posted by jerseypanda

I know that ear pulling could mean ear infection, but it is also a sign of teething.

For me, I would just call the ped to be sure.

I was thinking maybe teething also b/c that was the case the last time but there aren't any teeth cutting through.

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

Thanks so much ladies...I do think it is teething b/c DS is chomping on EVERYTHING in sight and although he is very fussy at night he is easily distracted into being happy. I'm going to see how he is the rest of the day and tonight and if he is as bad as last night I am going to take him to the ped just in case...its just so embarr when I get there and he is happy and laughing and playing and here I am the nuerotic mother worried he has an ear infection again

Re: Please help q re: Pulling on ears - could this be an ear infection?

It's hard to tell, so I know how you feel. DS has these screaming bouts now and then, and while they usually have something to do with poop issues or lack of sleep, when he starts tugging his ear and continues the screaming, I worry something is wrong with him. Generally, I figure iif there are no other signs of illness and he's still miserable the next day, I will call his doctor.

Good luck--I hope it's just crankiness or teething.