When this tube closes, fluid seeps into the ear and bacteria start to grow. As the body fights the infection, pressure builds up, causing pain. Although ear infections are not contagious, the colds and respiratory-tract infections that often precede them are. That is the reason children in nursery and day-care centers get ear infections frequently. Symptoms of a bacterial ear infection include earache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, temporary hearing loss, fever, headache and runny nose.
Children often tug at their ears as a sign of pain.
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for a bacterial ear infection. They either kill the bacteria or stop them from growing. If you suspect your child has otitis media , call your health-care provider for an appointment. When an antibiotic is prescribed by your health-care provider, it is important to administer it as ordered for the number of times per day as well as the number of days of treatment. Your child may seem well in a few days, but continuing to give the prescribed medication will actually ensure that all the bacteria are killed and the infection is completely treated.