Ear Infection Symptoms Differ With Each Child
As a pediatric nurse and a mommy of two preschoolers, you would think I wouldn’t be surprised by any childhood illnesses. But one of the problems with pediatric diagnosing is that with almost every disease or illness, the symptoms can be different for every child. It is an extremely difficult job to be an accurate diagnostician for children. What may seem clear for one kid, can be the complete opposite for another.
I recently published an article for KC Parent Magazine – January 2010 issue on the common cold. After listing the signs and symptoms, rulings on pediatric cold and cough medications, preventative measures, and when to call the doctor, parents expect to hear how to treat their child’s symptoms. But if your kid only has a cold and not something more severe, such as croup or an arm falling off, you have to ride it out! Not really what a sleep deprived, stressed out mommy wants to hear. Where is the miracle cure? Where is the no-fail drug that will give my child comfort and relief? Especially when there are over 200 common cold viruses out there and most kids tend to have between eight to ten colds in their first two years of life!
So you think your kid has a cold and then suddenly they spike a high fever, stop eating, and WANT to take a nap… any guesses what this one is? You got it…the dreaded EAR INFECTION! Now there may be several other symptoms that go along with this diagnosis, but if you have the runny nose, a fever and start tugging at your ear, your Mommy is going to cough up the doctor co-pay and head on over for an office visit.
My three year old recently had a fever, vomiting, started sleeping during the day (a LOT) and stopped eating for three days. No tugging at the ears, no complaining of ear pain – she just said her stomach hurt. Five days later she spiked another fever so off to the pediatrician we go. The doctor said both ears were “awful.” Just what you want to hear back from vacation. How can she have an ear infection so severe that her pediatrician winces and her only complaint is her stomach? Symptoms vary with each child…
Anyone out there have any stories to share regarding wacky childhood symptoms not matching the diagnosis?
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Tags: child illness, common cold, ear infections, KC Parent Magazine, Parenting, symptoms
Posted in Common Childhood Illnesses, Toddlers (1-2), Uncategorized | Comments Off
