Why Does My Baby’s Ear Smell?
It’s entirely normal to notice an odor coming from your baby’s ears. While usually nothing to be overly concerned about, it’s important to be aware of why this could be happening so that you can take the necessary steps towards treating it.
Causes of an Unpleasant Smell
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- Earwax buildup – Excess earwax can lead to a musty odor.
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- Bacteria– If there’s an infection in the ear, certain bacteria can cause a foul odor.
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- Fungal infection – Fungi and yeast produce certain smelling metabolites which could be the source of an unpleasant odor.
What You Can Do About It
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- If your baby’s ears are clean and you don’t seem any signs of an ear infection, it’s recommended that you keep an eye out for any further symptoms.
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- If the odor persists and is accompanied by itching, discomfort or fever, it’s best to take your child to the doctor as soon as possible.
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- The doctor may provide ear drops or other treatment to help reduce the smell and treat the underlying cause.
When to Worry
If an unpleasant odor is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fussiness or discharge from the ear, it’s best to contact your doctor as soon as possible. It could be an indicator of something more serious such as a fungal or bacterial infection.
Remember, an occasional whiff of an unpleasant smell from your baby’s ears isn’t necessarily cause for worry. However, monitoring the smell and taking the necessary steps to remedy the situation is always recommended.