Question 1

if my baby tugs on his ears does he have an ear infection?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: While it's true that some children with ear infections tug on their ears because they hurt, some babies pull on their ears because of ear wax, something itches, or they just discovered their ears were there.  Kids with ear infections tend to have a fever, have trouble sleeping because the pain increases when they lie down, and be generally fussy.  So look for other clues in addition to tugging.

Question 2

looks like baby has earache, very fussy and tugs on right ear, but he jas no fever. is there something i could use over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Otitis media: Infection of the middle ears is quite common in children.  You could avoid guessing by asking your doctor to make a diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment please. Babies are quite delicate. You don’t want to take chances with them if you can avoid it

Question 3

my 3 month baby has been persistently tugging at his left ear. he isn't crying, but i did notice some white crust around ear canal. should i worry?

Accepted Answer

Mgt: He may have an infection fhe outer canal or middle ear, I would suggest seeing your physician. In the meantime, monitor his temperature and gently clean the area with soap and a washcloth.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: tugs at ears?

Accepted Answer

Tugs at ears: A behavior where an infant or toddler pulls at their earlobes. This often occurs when child has an ear infection and/or fluid behind the eardrum

Question 5

my son has nasty green boogers and is also tugging the ears. sounds infected?

Accepted Answer

Classic sign: Children pulling at their ears is typical of babies with middle ear inflammation.  This could be sterile accumulation of fluid, or pressure developing because of obstruction of eustacian tube drainage, but you should have the baby to a pediatrician or family practitioner and have the ear examined.  Infection is likely.

Question 6

my 2month old daughter tugs at her ear and there was dry wax on the outside of her ear?

Accepted Answer

Odd post : A 2 month old does not have the developed ability to purposely tug at an ear. They can by coincidence but not on purpose.At 2 months they can have wax fall out like any kid. All this has little meaning.If you have specific concerns you are welcome to start over and state them.

Question 7

toddler tugging at ear& acts in pain. i've had doc check ears 2x in 10days. tubes are in place, clear, no drainage. just a little pink. why hurting?

Accepted Answer

Teething: It is possible that the pain your child is experiencing is from teething. Many babies pull their ears and act as ear infection when they teeth. Give Ibuprofen and see if that helps relieve the pain.

Question 8

13 month old woke now tugging at ear.  when i looked down noticed blood coming from his left nostril.  does he need to be seen immediately by a doc or should i contact his paed in the morning?

Accepted Answer

Doc in AM: I can't put the two issues together as one problem. Nasal bleeding in toddlers is usually from picking or sinus irritation. He may have fluid in his ears triggering the tugging. If he seems calm enough to follow his usual sleep routine you can discuss this with his doc in the morning.

Question 9

my 10 month old daughter tugs on her ears when she cries. does this mean she might have an ear infection?

Accepted Answer

Possible...: An ear infection is certainly one possibility - has she had a cold recently or is she running fevers?  Other possibilities include teething or even just comfort (meaning she has found her ears and likes to pull them to calm down).  If this is new and she has recently had a cold, see her pediatrician so they can look in the ears and give you the real answer.

Question 10

my daughter is 12 weeks old and i started noticing last night that she was tugging at her right ear. this continued today and got so bad, she didn't want to feed on my left breast. her ear was in pain all day?

Accepted Answer

Compress/temp: Please monitor the baby's temperature, continue to nurse. If there is any fever more than 100.3 F rectally, please see your pediatrician right away. An exam is indicated to rule out an ear infection but other causes are possible in the absence of other signs of infection.. Watch for signs of congestion, cough and distress. Keep immunizations current.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Baby tugs ears ear

A member asked:

If my baby tugs on his ears does he have an ear infection?

A member asked:

Looks like baby has earache, very fussy and tugs on right ear, but he jas no fever. is there something i could use over the counter?

A member asked:

My 3 month baby has been persistently tugging at his left ear. he isn't crying, but i did notice some white crust around ear canal. should i worry?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: tugs at ears?

A member asked:

My son has nasty green boogers and is also tugging the ears. sounds infected?

A member asked:

My 2month old daughter tugs at her ear and there was dry wax on the outside of her ear?

A member asked:

Toddler tugging at ear& acts in pain. i've had doc check ears 2x in 10days. tubes are in place, clear, no drainage. just a little pink. why hurting?

A member asked:

13 month old woke now tugging at ear. when i looked down noticed blood coming from his left nostril. does he need to be seen immediately by a doc or should i contact his paed in the morning?

A member asked:

My 10 month old daughter tugs on her ears when she cries. does this mean she might have an ear infection?

A member asked:

My daughter is 12 weeks old and i started noticing last night that she was tugging at her right ear. this continued today and got so bad, she didn't want to feed on my left breast. her ear was in pain all day?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?