True. Other prevention strategies include: holding a baby semi-upright when bottle-feeding. Also minimize a child’s exposure to second-hand smoke.

False. An untreated ear infection may cause a more serious infection, affect hearing, or slow speech development. So, call a doctor when your child has ear pain, a fever, yellow or white drainage from the ear, or hearing problems. For healthy children, it’s recommended to watch a child for 48 to 72 hours before taking action.

In babies, also look for these signs: unusual crankiness, trouble sleeping, and tugging at the ears.

To combat an ear infection, your child’s doctor may prescribe antibiotics. To relieve pain, you also might:

• Try a non-aspirin medicine, such as acetaminophen
• Keep the child upright while awake
• Apply warm compresses against the ear—but not for infants.

True. After an ear infection or a cold, fluid can remain in the middle ear. Mild hearing loss may occur.

This type of infection usually clears up without treatment. But if the fluid lingers for more than three months or seriously interferes with hearing or speech, antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, a minor procedure may be needed that involves inserting tiny tubes in the ears.