Middle ear infection

A middle ear infection is one of the most common infections suffered by children, and adults can also be affected.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

A middle ear infection is one of the most common infections suffered by children, and adults can also be affected. It is usually caused by bacteria. Severe earache and fever are typical. It usually heals on its own within one or two weeks. Nasal irrigation with salt water can help support the healing process.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

Severe earache
Fever
Sudden onset

Other symptoms

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Hearing impairment
Dizziness
Children are grumpy and don't want to play
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Purulent, watery or bloody ear discharge

Complications

The infection can spread to adjacent tissue
- Skull bone, inner ear, meningitis, blood poisoning, blood clot in a cerebral vein and brain abscess
Chronic middle ear infection

Causes and treatment

Causes

Bacteria (in particular pneumococci, staphylococci and haemophilus influenza)
Viruses (in particular influenza and cold viruses)
Impaired nasal breathing (e.g. owing to nasal polyps)
Tobacco smoke

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Ear examination (otoscopy)
Hearing and balance tests
Blood test (inflammatory markers)
CT scan (computed tomography)

Possible therapies

Antipyretic (i.e. fever-reducing) drugs
Painkillers
Anti-swelling nasal sprays
Antibiotics (for bacteria)
In rare cases, puncture of the tympanic membrane in order to drain the pus from the middle ear

What can I do myself?

Nasal irrigation with salt water, or alternatively, salt water nasal spray
Drink plenty of fluids
Bed rest

When to see a doctor?

Small children with a runny nose and high fever who are whiny and unsettled and repeatedly touch their ear
High fever or fever that lasts longer than 3 days
Symptoms last for more than one week
Pain and swelling behind the ear
Disorientation or cramps
Facial paralysis
Stiff neck