Overview
A middle ear infection is a build-up of infected fluid behind the eardrum, very common in young children after a cold. It causes ear pain, fever and irritability, and in babies who cannot speak, tugging at the ear and crying. Many clear on their own within a few days, but some need antibiotics. Repeated infections can affect hearing, so ongoing or frequent problems should be checked.
Symptoms
- Ear pain, often worse when lying down
- Tugging or pulling at the ear in young children
- Fever and irritability
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- Fluid or discharge draining from the ear
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if ear pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, comes with high fever, or if fluid drains from the ear.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe pain with swelling, redness behind the ear, high fever, stiff neck or drowsiness — seek care urgently
Causes
Viruses or bacteria travelling from the nose and throat to the middle ear, often after a cold. Children are more prone because of their ear anatomy.