Middle ear infections are usually not serious infections but they are painful. Symptoms vary with age. Infants and toddlers are irritable, sleep poorly, rub their ears , and have poor appetite with ear infections.
Older children complain specifically of ear pain , often starting at night or after napping.
Fever is common. Ear infections often follow upper respiratory infections in young children. Measure liquid medications accurately. Teaspoons used for eating are not reliable. Use a measuring spoon for cooking or purchase a device specifically made to measure medications at the drugstore.