
What is a middle ear infection?
What causes ear infections?
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
The infection makes fluid build up in the middle ear. This fluid makes the eardrum bulge and hurt. If the eardrum bulges a lot, it can pop (rupture). Symptoms include:
Rarely, ear infections can cause severe complications if bacteria spread to nearby areas, such as:
-
The bone next to the ear (causes pain behind the ear)
-
The inner ear (causes dizziness and trouble hearing)
-
The brain (causes headaches, confusion, and meningitis)
How can doctors tell if my child has an ear infection?
Doctors will look inside your child's ears with a special light. They are checking to see if:
They may need to first clean wax from your child's ear so they can see more clearly.
They may squeeze air into your child’s ear to see if the eardrum moves. If it doesn't move as much as it should, your child may have an ear infection.
How is an ear infection treated?
How can I prevent ear infections in my child?
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
---|---|
acetaminophen |
TYLENOL |
ibuprofen |
ADVIL, MOTRIN IB |