Minor Ear Infection: Symptoms & Treatment

Minor Ear Infection

Ear infections, which cause pain and fluid build-up in the middle ear, can occur in both children and adults due to bacterial or viral infections. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Ear infections often resolve on their own. If symptoms persist or are severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to follow the entire course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning.

Recommended Avoidances

Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and allergens, which can increase susceptibility to ear infections.

Prevention Tips

Prevention strategies may include regular hand washing, staying up to date with vaccinations, and avoiding secondhand smoke.

Condition 101

Ear infections occur when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear — the sections of your ear just behind the eardrum. They can be painful due to inflammation and fluid build-up in the middle ear. They are more common in children, but adults can also experience them.

Ear pain (especially when lying down)
Tugging at an ear in children
Difficulty sleeping
High temperature (fever)
Irritability
Loss of balance
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Ear infections are often caused by Eustachian tube blockage. This can occur due to allergies, colds, sinus infections, or excess mucus and saliva produced during teething in infants.
Age: Children between 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible due to the size and angle of their Eustachian tubes.
Seasonal factors: Ear infections are more frequent in the autumn and winter.
Bottle feeding: Infants who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, may have more ear infections than those breastfed.
Age: Children between 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible due to the size and angle of their Eustachian tubes.
Seasonal factors: Ear infections are more frequent in the autumn and winter.
Bottle feeding: Infants who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, may have more ear infections than those breastfed.

Examination of the ear: A healthcare professional will use an instrument called an otoscope to look at the eardrum for signs of infection.
Pneumatic otoscope: This specialized instrument can show if the eardrum moves. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, the eardrum will not move as well.
Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum to diagnose an ear infection and assess severity.
Reflectometry: This test can detect fluid in the middle ear by bouncing sound against the eardrum.
Complications from ear infections can include impaired hearing, spread of infection, and eardrum rupture.
A common misconception is that only children get ear infections. While they're more frequent in children, adults can also be affected.
Ear pain or discomfort can be due to conditions other than ear infection, like tooth infection, throat infection, or TMJ disorders.Ear pain or discomfort can be due to conditions other than ear infection, like tooth infection, throat infection, or TMJ disorders.

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Minor Ear Infections, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Over-the-counter treatments like pain relievers, ear drops, and warm compresses can alleviate symptoms. Decongestants or nasal steroids may also be recommended to reduce Eustachian tube swelling.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for persistent or severe ear infections. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to place tubes in the ears or remove adenoids.

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