Ear Infections (Otis Media)
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are infections of the middle ear, the chamber behind the ear drum. Ear infections usually occur during or after an upper respiratory illness, such as a cold. During a cold, fluid can collect in the middle ear, which prevents the Eustachian tubes from working correctly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction include:
- muffled hearing
- popping or crackling in the ear
- ear fullness or pressure
Sometimes, congestion can worsen to the point of becoming an infection. Symptoms that indicate an infection include:
- persistent ear pain (sometimes severe or throbbing)
- hearing loss
- dizziness
- fever
- chills
In some cases, the eardrum may rupture, resulting in bloody or pus-like drainage from the ear.
Treatment
Most mild and moderate infections require little treatment. Patience and self-care methods, such as the ones listed below, are usually enough.
- 500 mg acetaminophen or 400 mg ibuprofen can be taken every four hours for fever or pain control.
- Applying heat to the area, using either a heating pad or warm, moist compresses, may help reduce discomfort.
- An antibiotic may be prescribed.
When to contact a clinician
Though complications are rare, see a clinician if any of the following occur:
- ear pain doesn’t improve in 48 to 72 hours or gets worse
- fever over 102°F despite adequate aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
- bloody or pus-like drainage from ear canal
- severe dizziness
- neck stiffness
- The sensation of fullness and diminished hearing may persist for several weeks, because of fluid remaining in the middle ear. See a clinician if other symptoms persist after completion of medications.
[HU 430 : updated 08/08]
