Middle ear infections occur frequently in early childhood. This infection causes inflammation of the eardrum and a collection of pus in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Occasionally, the eardrum ruptures and pus drains out of the ear canal.
Children often have a poor appetite and sometimes have vomiting or diarrhea with ear infections.
There can also be temporary hearing loss during ear infections due to the pus behind the eardrum. Ear infections are usually not serious if they are properly treated. Follow-up care is important to be sure that the ear infection and the pus behind the eardrum has cleared up. There may be mild diarrhea or a rash due to the antibiotic. Contact your doctor if this is serious.