Middle ear infection
About middle ear infection or otitis media
A middle ear infection is an infection in the fluid behind the eardrum.
The infection can be caused by either a bacteria or a virus.
Middle ear infections are very common in young children.
The medical name for middle ear infections is otitis media.
The ear has three main parts – the outer ear (the ear canal and ear lobe), the middle ear (behind the eardrum, and linked to the throat), and the inner ear (which has the nerves that help to detect sound).
Symptoms of middle ear infection
Most children with a middle ear infection complain of earache. They might feel off balance and have trouble hearing. Symptoms can also include fever, runny nose, irritability or loss of appetite.
Babies might cry a lot and pull at the affected ear, especially at night when lying down.
Occasionally the eardrum might rupture. This is called a perforated eardrum. There might be a thick and sometimes bloody discharge from your child’s ear. This helps to relieve the pressure that has built up in the ear from the infection, and eases the pain. The burst eardrum usually heals naturally.
Does your child need to see a doctor about a middle ear infection?
Yes. You should take your child to see your doctot if:
- your child complains of a disturbibg earache
- your child has discharge of pus from his ear
- your child is generally unwell, has a fever or is vomiting
- you think your child is having trouble hearing
- your child keeps getting ear infections
- your child has swelling behind the ear or the ear is pushed forward.
Tests for middle ear infection
The doctor will check your child’s ear with an otoscope.
If your child has had several ear infections, or if your doctor thinks there might be a chronic infection, the doctor might organise a hearing test.
Treatment for middle ear infection
Symptoms of middle ear infection usually improve by themselves within 24-48 hours, so antibiotics aren’t often needed.
You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to help with pain. Your doctor might suggest some anaesthetic ear drops if your child has severe pain.
If your child still has pain and is unwell after 48 hours, is particularly unwell, especially if she is less than 12 months old, your doctor might prescribe a short course of antibiotics, usually amoxycillin.
Most children improve after a few days of antibiotic treatment, but always make sure your child finishes the whole treatment. Stopping too soon could make the infection come back.
Decongestants, antihistamines and corticosteroids don’t work as a treatment for middle ear infections.
Putting cotton wool in your child’s ear or cleaning discharge with a cotton bud can damage the ear. It isn’t recommended.
Prevention of middle ear infection
Many children who get recurrent ear infections have grommets put into their eardrums to prevent infection. Grommets are special ventilating tubes that stop fluid from building up behind the eardrum and help preserve hearing. If your child needs grommets, he’ll see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Avoid smoking. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to develop a range of illnesses, including middle ear infections.
