All Posts tagged Ear Discharge

As the parent of a newborn, you may be worried sick if they get sick; sicknesses are common in babies, especially as they are developing their immune system. There are some minor ailments that are quite common in newborns, and though they should definitely be monitored, they are not usually cause for concern or a reason to visit the doctor. 

Common Problems:

• Stomach bugs that can cause vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common in babies and young children. They usually last only a couple of days, and you should make sure to keep your baby hydrated while they are experiencing those symptoms. 
• Coughs, colds, and earache also often occur in babies– they normally lessen as they build their immune system. Your child may experience a runny nose, sore throat, headaches, sneezing and a raised temperature. 
• Ear infections are also very common, and often follow a cold. You may notice them if your baby’s ear looks a little red, there is general irritability and restlessness, your baby has difficulty feeding, and there may even be discharge from their ear. 
• Excessive crying is something that every parent expects to deal with when they have a newborn: if you’ve made sure that your baby is fed, burped, warm, and in a clean diaper your next step is probably to hold them close and try to soothe them. You will learn your baby’s cries fast, and know when they sound abnormal or excessively distressed. 

 More Serious Issues:

• Umbilical cord problems may occur and you will likely notice them while you are caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. If the cord actively bleeds, you should call your doctor immediately. Similarly, contact your doctor if there is red skin around the base of the cord, foul-smelling discharge from the cord, and if your baby cries when you touch the cord or the skin next to it. 
• Lethargy and sleepiness can indicate a more serious condition, especially if they appear to be completely different from your baby’s usual patterns. All babies spend a lot of time sleeping, but if your baby has trouble waking up and is disinterested in eating and their usual activities, you should call your pediatrician. 
• Abdominal distension is a problem that can occur due to gas or constipation. After a large feeding, most babies’ bellies will stick out, but they should be soft between feedings. If your baby’s abdomen feels swollen, and they have not had a bowel movement for one or two days–especially if they are also vomiting–get in touch with your doctor. 
• Babies tend to get rashes quite often, but if you are noticing a red/brown colored rash on your baby’s head or neck that is spreading across their body you may be dealing with early signs of measles. If your baby has a fever, sore eyes that are sensitive to light, and gray spots inside the cheeks, you should immediately seek treatment for measles. 

https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/baby/minor-ailments-and-illnesses/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/pages/Common-Conditions-in-Newborns.aspx