Cold or Ear Infection? How to Tell the Difference in Toddlers

Seeing your child feel uncomfortable can create concern, especially when you’re unsure what you’re dealing with. After all, children under five years old can’t effectively tell you what’s hurting or what’s wrong.

One of the most common conditions parents confuse is colds versus ear infections in toddlers. Thankfully, there are ways to tell the difference and get your child the right kind of treatment.

Understanding Colds

A cold seems like a rite of passage for every human being, known as a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. Here are the basics you need to know:

• Causes: Colds are contagious, so there’s a possibility your toddler caught it from someone else. Dry and cold air can also lower the body’s resistance to these viral infections.
• Symptoms: The most common cold symptoms are a runny nose and sneezing. The throat eventually starts to feel sore, creating a dry cough. More severe colds also cause a mild fever and muscle aches.
• How long it lasts: Children can have a cold for up to two weeks, which is longer than an adult’s typical 10 days. The symptoms are slowly reduced as the infection goes away.

Identifying Ear Infections

An ear infection usually describes the fluid build-up in the middle of the ear. Young children are more likely to get them since they have smaller ear tubes.

• Causes: Ear infections usually result from allergies or physical congestion that cause fluid blockage. A virus may then cause the ear pain to flare up. Bacteria can also grow and create an infection.
• Symptoms: The main symptoms of an ear infection are ear pain and fever. Toddlers may avoid sleeping or eating because it hurts or creates pressure on the eardrum. Some may also experience difficulty hearing.
• How long it lasts: Ear infections tend to clear up in three days, though they can last up to a week. The exact area of the infection generally determines the duration.

Colds vs. Ear Infections in Toddlers

With a clearer picture of what a cold and an ear infection look like in toddlers, you can better identify which one your child is going through. Here are a few ways to tell the conditions apart so you can give your little one the best care possible.

Crosscheck the Symptoms

Symptoms are a good indicator of what you’re dealing with. A fever is a shared trait of cold and ear infections, so you must wait and observe for other symptoms. If more unique signs like a stuffy nose appear, they likely have a cold rather than an ear infection.

However, stay vigilant. The common cold can block the middle ear and create fluid buildup due to nasal congestion, leading to a middle ear infection. If these conditions happen in succession, you may want to seek medical care.

Pinpoint the Pain Area

Another way to tell the difference between a cold and an ear infection is to figure out where your toddler is experiencing pain. Body language, like cupping their ears, may suggest the problem lies there rather than the nose or throat.

You can also ask them directly. Phrase it in an easy-to-understand way, like, “What hurts, your nose or ears?” Remember, if they have trouble hearing, it could be an ear infection.

Consult a Health Care Provider

The best way to determine your child’s sickness is to schedule a checkup with their pediatrician. If you’re having trouble figuring out what’s going on, your child’s doctor will be able to examine their symptoms, diagnose their illness, and provide the best course of treatment to get them healthy.

How to Care for Your Sick Child

Whether your toddler is facing a cold or ear infection, the main point is they’re sick. Here are a few ways you can take care of them while they recover.

1. Keep Them Hydrated and Full

Dehydration and an empty stomach are recipes for disaster, especially when your toddler is sick. Keep them hydrated throughout the day and provide them with balanced meals with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Discomfort usually lessens the drive to eat. However, toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 should consume 1,000 to 1,400 calories daily, especially when they’re recuperating from a cold or other sickness. Consider presenting the meals in fun and enticing ways, like cutting sandwiches into different shapes.

Frozen foods might trigger headaches, especially when eaten too quickly. A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup may be ideal since the liquid is easier to swallow and digest. If your child has a sore throat, try cold foods like yogurt or smoothies. A fun treat like a milkshake can help lift their spirits and ease any achiness.

2. Make Their Bedroom Comfortable

Give your toddler a comfortable space to recuperate in. Set the thermostat to a moderate temperature that isn’t too hot or cold, and consider setting up a humidifier if their room feels dry. This machine will create moist air that loosens mucus and helps them decongest.

3. Ensure They Rest

Some kids have less energy when sick, and yours may prefer to stay in bed. Listen to how they’re feeling and plan your day accordingly. Watching a movie on the couch or reading a book in bed can help keep them entertained while they rest.

4. Use Nasal Remedies

If your toddler is having trouble breathing, consider using a rubber-bulb syringe. This tool removes mucus from the nose, clearing things up so your child can eat and sleep more comfortably. If the discharge seems thick, consider using a child-safe nasal saline solution to thin it out.

5. Apply a Salt Compress

A salt compress can indirectly draw out fluid from the ear, as the mineral sucks out moisture. Make one at home by microwaving a cup of coarse salt for two to three minutes before putting it into a thick sock. Apply to the painful ear and wait for the fluid to seep out.

6. Seek Antibiotics

About half of ear infections disappear without antibiotics, even if bacteria cause them. However, medical professionals may encourage administering this medication if your toddler’s ear pain is too much. If your child receives a prescription for antibiotics to treat their illness, administer the entire course to ensure you get rid of the infection thoroughly.

How to Prevent Colds and Ear Infections

Parents can teach their toddlers good hygiene to prevent colds and ear infections. It’s important for them to wash their hands before and after eating, after they go to the bathroom and after they blow their nose. It’s also essential to teach them how to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If your child is showing signs of illness, keep them out of daycare or school so they can recover quicker and avoid getting other people sick. If they’re unhappy about staying home, talk to them about the importance of resting to feel better and keep their classmates and teachers healthy, too.

Give Your Toddler the Best Care

Learning the differences between a cold and an ear infection in toddlers can be a game-changer in how you care for them. Pay attention to their symptoms and keep them company to help them feel better and understand what to do when they’re sick. If you need assistance, seek medical care.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Rush is the Managing Editor at Body+Mind

Cover Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko