Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Middle ear infection (otitis media) | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Middle ear infection (otitis media) Middle ear infection (otitis media) Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Anyone can develop a middle ear infection, but theyre most common in young children. You do not always need to see a GP as most ear infections get better on their own within 3 to 5 days. Symptoms of a middle ear infection The main symptoms of a middle ear infection include: earache a high temperature (fever) being sick a lack of energy slight hearing loss  if the middle ear becomes filled with fluid In some cases, a hole may develop in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) and pus may run out of the ear. The earache, which is caused by the build-up of fluid stretching the eardrum, then resolves. Signs in young children Young children and babies with an ear infection may also: rub or pull their ear not react to some sounds be irritable or restless be off their food keep losing their balance When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: You or your child has: symptoms that do not improve within 2 or 3 days regular ear infections a lot of pain a discharge of pus or fluid from the ear an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease , which could make complications more likely If your GP practice is closed, phone 111. Treatment for middle ear infections Most ear infections get better on their own within 3 to 5 days and do not need any specific treatment. If needed, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and a high temperature. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. If youre not sure which treatments are suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist for advice. Placing a warm cloth over the affected ear may also help relieve pain. Antibiotics are not usually used to treat middle ear infections. What causes middle ear infections? Most middle ear infections occur when an infection, such as a cold , leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear. This causes the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to become swollen or blocked. The mucus cant drain away properly, making it easier for an infection to spread into the middle ear. An enlarged adenoid (soft tissue at the back of the throat) can also block the Eustachian tube. The adenoid can be removed if it often causes ear infections. Middle ear infections are more common in younger children because: the Eustachian tube is smaller in children than in adults a childs adenoids are relatively larger than an adults Certain conditions can also increase the risk of middle ear infections, including: having a cleft palate having Downs syndrome Can middle ear infections be prevented? Its not possible to prevent middle ear infections. There are some things you can do that may reduce your childs risk of developing one. Do make sure your child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations  particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1) vaccine if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula milk Dont do not expose your child to smoky environments (passive smoking) do not give your child a dummy once theyre older than 12 months old do not feed your child while theyre lying flat on their back Children who go to nursery or school can pick up infections from other children who are unwell. Complications of middle ear infections Complications of middle ear infections are fairly rare, but can be serious. Most complications are the result of the infection spreading to another part of the ear or head. Rarely, infections can leave a perforation or hole in the eardrum. If complications do develop, they often need to be treated immediately with antibiotics in hospital. Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 07 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Earache Self-help guide: Earache Other health sites Action on Hearing Loss Family Lives NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852