An ear infection - also known as Otitis media - is an infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is an air-filled cavity that sits behind the eardrum and is responsible for transmitting sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.
Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses and are more common in children than adults. The most common symptoms are ear pain and fever. You may also recognize an ear infection by drainage or fluid coming from the ear, balance problems, and hearing problems. A child suffering from an ear infection may pull at their ear or act fussier than usual.
While ear infections will normally go away on their own, medical attention may be needed. You should see a doctor if symptoms persist for longer than 48 hours, the ear pain is severe, you or your child experiences a fever over 102.2 F, if the child experiencing symptoms is less than 6 months old, or if you notice any discharge coming from the ear. Children who suffer from recurring infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear should receive regular checkups to avoid any damage to their hearing or other complications.
Treatment Options
Doctors often recommend the following treatment options for an ear infection. Note that you should always defer to the treatment plan your doctor recommends.
Symptoms of an ear infection will usually show improvements within the first few days, and go away on their own within a week or two. Antibiotics may help treat bacterial infections, but bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics if they are used too often. For this reason, doctors may choose to wait and monitor the progression of the illness before prescribing antibiotics.
If you are prescribed antibiotics make sure you continue to take them even after symptoms have improved. Failure to do so can allow the infection to come back while increasing the likelihood of the bacteria becoming resistant to the medication.
If you or your child are experiencing a great deal of discomfort, talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (generic for Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Follow the instructions on the label carefully and use them only as instructed. Using aspirin to treat children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection (such as chickenpox or flu-like symptoms) is not recommended, as it may trigger Reye’s syndrome (a rare disorder that causes brain and liver damage).
Anesthetic eardrops may also be used to treat pain as long as there is no damage to the eardrum.
If your child suffers from chronic infections or is prone to fluid build-up after the infections clear, your doctor may propose a procedure known as a myringotomy. Myringotomy is an outpatient procedure in which the surgeon makes a tiny hole in the eardrum to suction fluids out of the middle ear. After the fluid has been drained, a small tube is inserted into the opening to prevent further build-up. These tubes are temporary and the eardrum usually closes up again once the tube has fallen out or is removed.
Ear infections often clear up on their own and do not require medication. To relieve discomfort, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin IB). If your symptoms are severe or persistent, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up the infection.
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