Ear Infection in Children – Diagnosis, Treatment & Medication Online

An infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear.

An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes.

Symptoms: The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid.

• Children
  • Signs and symptoms common in children include:
  • Ear pain, especially when lying down
  • Tugging or pulling at an ear
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Crying more than usual
  • Fussiness
  • Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
  • Loss of balance
  • Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
  • Drainage of fluid from the ear
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
• Adults
  • Common signs and symptoms in adults include:
  • Ear pain
  • Drainage of fluid from the ear
  • Trouble hearing