Ear Infection

Ear Infection

An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filed space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. In an ear infection, narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked.

Symptoms

The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid.

Children

Signs and symptoms common in children include:

• Ear pain, especially when lying down

• Tugging or pulling at an ear

• Trouble sleeping

• Crying more than usual

• Fussiness

• Trouble hearing or responding to sounds

• Loss of balance

• Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher

• Drainage of fluid from the ear

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

Adults

Common signs and symptoms in adults include:

• Ear pain

• Drainage of fluid from the ear

• Trouble hearing

Prevention

The following tips may reduce the risk of developing ear infections:

• Prevent common colds and other illnesses. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow. If possible, limit the time your child spends in group child care. A child care setting with fewer children may help. Try to keep your child home from child care or school when ill.

• Avoid secondhand smoke. Make sure that no one smokes in your home. Away from home, stay in smoke-free environments.

• Breast-feed your baby. If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least six months. Breast milk contains antibodies that may offer protection from ear infections.

• If you bottle-feed, hold your baby in an upright position. Avoid propping a bottle in your baby's mouth while he or she is lying down. Don't put bottles in the crib with your baby.

• Talk to your doctor about vaccinations. Ask your doctor about what vaccinations are appropriate for your child. Seasonal flu shots, pneumococcal and other bacterial vaccines may help prevent ear infections.