Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Chronic Ear Infections Make Four-Year-Old Cranky | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
We have a four-year-old who has had a succession of earaches and sinus infections. We are waiting to put tubes in his ears, but meantime, this very mild-mannered child has radically changed in his behavior. He is having tantrums and disobeying to the point that Mother is going nuts! Is this typical behavior at four years or is there something Mother should be doing?
— Melissa in Portland | | | ANSWER |
February 28, 2001 | | | Dear Melissa,
I can think of several reasons why a well-mannered four-year-old with chronic ear infections might behave in the way you describe. Chronically fluid-filled ears usually cause some degree of hearing loss, which gets better when the fluid is drained out. A child who suddenly can't hear well is apt to become frustrated because he often doesn't really know what's going on and might not always understand what people are saying.
Chronic ear infections also often interfere with sleep, and a tired four-year-old has less ability to handle frustration and exercise self-control. Feeling lousy also makes many children irritable.
Finally, many of the over-the-counter and prescription medicines used to treat sinus congestion include antihistamines or decongestants, both of which are notorious for causing behavior problems in young children.
If you can hold out and respond with patience and firmness until the ear tubes are in, chances are your well-behaved and happier boy will return, much to everyone's relief.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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