Show Ear InfectionIs your child’s ear hurting? It could be an ear infection. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best treatment. Some ear infections, such as middle ear infections, need antibiotic treatment, but many can get better without antibiotics. What is an ear infection?There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear. Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion. This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without causing an infection. Otitis media with effusion does not cause fever, ear pain, or pus build-up in the middle ear. Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal. Swimmer’s Ear is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit “Swimmer’s Ear” (Otitis Externa). CausesBacteria or viruses can cause a middle ear infection:
SymptomsCommon symptoms of middle ear infection in children can include:
When to Seek Medical CareSee a doctor if your child has:
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
A healthy ear including outer, middle, and inner ear. An infected ear showing inflammation and fluid in the ear. Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. TreatmentA doctor can diagnose a middle ear infection by asking about symptoms and examining your child. The doctor will look inside your child’s ear to examine the eardrum and look for pus in the middle ear. The body’s immune system can often fight off middle ear infection on its own. Antibiotics are sometimes not needed for middle ear infections. However, severe middle ear infections or infections that last longer than 2–3 days need antibiotics right away. For mild middle ear infection, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.
How to Feel BetterBelow are some ways to feel better, even if antibiotics are needed for an ear infection:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Over-the-Counter Medicine and ChildrenCarefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. PreventionYou can help prevent ear infections by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
Can a strep throat cause ear infections?Strep Throat is an infection of the tissues inside the throat by Streptococcus bacteria, usually causing pain, discomfort, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Interestingly enough, one of the results of having a bacterial infection with the tonsils or throat can also lead to ear infections.
Can you have an earache with strep throat?An earache can also be one of the symptoms of strep throat. Strep throat is very painful and highly contagious. Strep throat should be treated with antibiotics; otherwise, serious complications can develop.
Can untreated strep cause ear infection?The bacteria that cause strep throat can spread to other parts of your body if antibiotics don't kill them. This can cause infections in places near your throat, including your: Middle ear.
Can a throat infection affect your ears?If you find it painful to swallow and you have a sore throat, your earache could be a symptom of a throat infection, such as tonsillitis or quinsy (an abscess on one side of the back of your throat, which can sometimes make it very difficult to swallow even fluids).
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