Ear infections are extremely common, especially in young children. They can be painful and frustrating for both kids and their parents. Recognizing the signs of an ear infection can help you make informed treatment decisions.
If you recognize the signs of an ear infection, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
What causes ear infections?
Ear infections occur most often after a cold, sore throat or upper respiratory infection. The infection travels to the ears through the eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose to the middle ear.
These tubes can become swollen or blocked, especially in children whose eustachian tubes are smaller and more easily clogged. When fluid builds up and gets trapped, bacteria or viruses can grow and cause an infection.
Types of ear infections
There are three main types of ear infections:
- Acute otitis media: This type is the most common middle ear infection. It occurs when the middle ear becomes infected and inflamed, often causing ear pain, fever and sometimes trouble hearing.
- Otitis media with effusion: This occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear, but no active infection. It may not cause pain, but it can lead to muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Otitis externa: Sometimes called ‘swimmer’s ear,’ it’s an infection of the outer ear or ear canal. It’s usually caused by water getting trapped, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow.
Each type can affect hearing and comfort, and all may need different treatment approaches.
Symptoms of an ear infection
Signs of an ear infection can sometimes be mistaken for other issues. And while common in children, many may show few, if any, symptoms. However, recognizing the signs can help you spot them in yourself and others when they do occur.
Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Ear pain, especially when lying down
- Tugging or pulling at the ear (common in young children)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Crying more than usual
- Fluid draining from the ear canal
- Trouble balancing
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- Fever
- Irritability or fussiness
In babies and toddlers, signs may be a little hard to notice. A child who can’t talk might seem clingy or have trouble sleeping. Any of these signs may indicate something’s going on inside the ear.
When to see your doctor
Some middle ear infections can clear up on their own, especially if they’re mild. But there are times when you should see your primary care provider, especially if:
- The ear pain is severe or lasts more than a day
- Pus or fluid is leaking from the ear
- Your child has a high fever or is very irritable
- You suspect hearing loss or ongoing trouble hearing
- The symptoms return quickly after getting better
- The infection keeps coming back
Frequent ear infections or long-lasting fluid in the ear might lead to hearing loss or speech delays. In those cases, your provider might recommend ear tubes to help drain fluid and prevent ear infections in the future.
How ear infections are treated
Treatment depends on the type of infection and age. Your primary care provider may suggest a watch-and-wait approach for mild infections, especially in older children. A provider might prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Pain-relieving medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort and fever. Never give aspirin to children and always follow dosage instructions carefully.
For otitis externa, treatment usually involves prescription eardrops to fight the infection and reduce swelling.
If you or your child is diagnosed with otitis media with effusion and there’s no pain or fever, your doctor may just monitor it over time.
How to prevent ear infections
You can’t avoid all infections, but there are ways to lower the risk:
- Keep your child’s vaccinations up to date
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
- Breastfeed infants if possible to support their immune system
- Keep your distance from sick individuals when possible
- Make sure your child isn’t lying flat while bottle-feeding
- Safely clean your ears
In some cases, ear tubes can reduce repeated infections, which help equalize pressure and drain trapped fluid.
How we can help
Ear infections are uncomfortable and sometimes tricky to recognize, especially in young children. If your or your child is showing signs of an ear infection, such as ear pain, trouble hearing or irritability, it’s time to make an appointment with your primary care doctor, especially if symptoms don’t improve.
Learn about the primary care and pediatric services we offer at Bon Secours.
