One of my playgroup moms said that her daughter's ear smells like vomit. (TMI?) Is that an indication of an ear infection?
Connor hasn't had one yet, but I was just curious...

By Kate on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 03:58 pm:

No experience here, but I know I've heard someone say this is true. It might have been Eve who said it....

By Happynerdmom on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 04:11 pm:

Yes, ear infections can smell really bad. Also, it could be an indication of something stuck back in her ear. Not sure how old she is, but many things can find their way into a child's ear!LOL

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 04:19 pm:

Yes, that is a possible symptom but not a definite one. I've never noticed an odor when either of my kids have had ear infections, but Eve has said there is a distinct odor when Sydney (my niece) has one. I've always suspected an ear infection from fussiness and/or inability to sleep or eat. There is usually a fever but not always.

By Melanie on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 04:26 pm:

I've never noticed an odor, but like Trina, have heard Eve say that she always notices the odor as the first sign of an infection.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 04:52 pm:

I noticed an odor with Jeff when he was little, and also with Madison in the past couple years, with ear infections.

By Amecmom on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 05:04 pm:

I never noticed one with my son, but my daughter has had three and with two of them there's been a funky smell. My son had a very bad sinus infection that had a smell.

Also, it could be that she vomited a small amount in her sleep and her crib smells.

Ame

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 05:44 pm:

Depends on whether the ear drum ruptured and some of the infectious material is draining. Or, her daughter could have stuck something in her ear and an infection is building up behind it. Either way, I'd head for the doctor.

Although if, as Ame suggests, she may have gotten some vomit in her ear, gentle rinsing may solve the smell problem.

By Trisa on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 06:55 pm:

My sons used to smell bad.
he was the king of ear infections when he
was a baby. Maybe you should click on the link
from google at the top of the page.