Overview
Otitis media is infection of the middle ear, common in young children after colds, causing ear pain, fever and sometimes a discharging ear. Repeated or neglected infections can damage hearing — a serious matter in a child learning to speak. Most infections settle quickly with proper care.
Symptoms
- Ear pain — infants may pull or rub the ear and cry more
- Fever
- Irritability and poor sleep in children
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear
- Reduced hearing
- Loss of balance
Causes & risk factors
- Colds and catarrh blocking the tube draining the middle ear
- Bacterial or viral infection of trapped fluid
- Bottle-feeding lying flat; exposure to smoke
- Young age — the drainage tube is short and flat in children
Treatment & self-care
Pain relief and observation are appropriate for many mild cases, as advised by a clinician; antibiotics are prescribed for younger children, severe pain or discharging ears. Never insert cotton buds, oils or herbal drops into a painful or draining ear. Repeated infections or lasting hearing reduction need ENT follow-up.
See a doctor urgently if
- Ear pain in a baby under six months — same day
- Discharge of pus or blood from the ear
- Swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear — emergency
- Hearing not recovering after the infection
- Repeated infections within months