An ear infection can look like redness, swelling, warmth, and fluid (pus/discharge) coming from the ear, accompanied by symptoms like pain, itchiness, fever, irritability (in kids), difficulty hearing, or balance issues. A doctor uses an otoscope to see a bulging, red, or hazy eardrum, but external signs like a swollen outer ear or discharge are key indicators, especially for outer ear infections.
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
Yes, most middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) are mild and do go away on their own, typically within a few days to a week, especially with pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol, but severe infections, high fever, or persistent symptoms warrant a doctor visit for potential antibiotics.
The only way to know for sure if your child has one is for a doctor to look inside her ear with a tool called an otoscope, a tiny flashlight with a magnifying lens. A healthy eardrum (shown here) looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.
Children often suddenly feel much worse. Some also have to throw up. Young children are often not able to localize pain and may complain of a stomach ache although it's their ears that are hurting. It's also difficult for parents of babies or very young children to know how severe the pain is.
Acute onset of symptoms, including: In older children and adults — earache. In younger children — holding, tugging, or rubbing of the ear, or non-specific symptoms such as fever, crying, poor feeding, restlessness, behavioural changes, cough, or rhinorrhoea.
Seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms:
Other related conditions include:
Ear Infection Stages
Stage 3: Chronic Otitis Media - This stage involves persistent fluid buildup in the middle ear and may result in long-term hearing loss if left untreated.
While some children can swim all summer long and not get swimmer's ear, others can develop an outer ear infection after a bath or shower if too much moisture remains in the ear. If your child has a naturally curvy and narrow ear canal, it's more likely water can get trapped after any type of water exposure.
A bacterium or virus in the middle ear causes an ear infection. This infection often comes from another illness, such as a cold, flu or allergy. These can cause the inside the nose, throat and ears to be swollen and stuffy.
Crusty ears are often not a serious health issue and can result from overcleaning, skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, or even changes in weather. Identifying your specific triggers can help you find the right treatment and soothe your symptoms.
Antibiotics are a medicine prescribed by your doctor. If you're dealing with an ear infection caused by bacteria, you'll likely need antibiotics. They are the best way of quickly getting rid of a bacterial infection and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.
The increased pressure pushes the eardrum outward, causing pain and fever. An ear infection often occurs after a sore throat, cold or other upper respiratory infection, Dr. Hale says. Symptoms include hearing loss, fever and feeling unwell.
Sudden drainage of yellow or green fluid from the ear may mean the eardrum has ruptured. All acute ear infections involve fluid behind the eardrum. At home, you can use an electronic ear monitor to check for this fluid. You can buy this device at a drugstore.
To sleep with an ear infection, elevate your head or sleep on your non-affected side. Elevating the affected ear makes it easier for the infection to drain. Sleep makes a world of difference helping us recover from most of life's ailments, aches, and afflictions.
It's important to talk with your health care provider if you think you have a middle-ear infection. If you have a high fever, severe pain behind your ear, or paralysis in your face, see your provider as soon as you can.
7 Signs Of An Ear Infection You Shouldn't Ignore
Antibiotic medicines
Usually after a watch-and-wait time, a healthcare professional might suggest using an antibiotic for an ear infection for: Children 6 months and older with moderate to severe ear pain in one or both ears for at least 48 hours or a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher.
Pillow ear (or ear pain from sleeping) is discomfort, soreness, or pain in the outer ear caused by prolonged pressure, typically from sleeping on your side on a pillow that's too firm or unsupportive, compressing the ear cartilage and reducing blood flow. It can also be exacerbated by head misalignment, certain pillow fills, or underlying issues like piercings or conditions like Chondrodermatitis Nodularis (CNH).
Ear pain red flags needing urgent care include severe pain with headache, facial drooping, fever, swelling or redness behind the ear (mastoiditis), ear discharge, hearing loss, dizziness, or weakened immune system/diabetes, as these suggest serious infections or complications like mastoiditis or cranial nerve issues. Persistent pain, one-sided hearing loss, or symptoms not improving with treatment also warrant prompt medical attention.
Symptoms can include:
One of the easiest ways to prevent ear infections is to change your pillowcase daily. Sounds a little weird, right? Surprisingly, there is a strong link between dirty pillows and ear infections.
Most ear infections go away without treatment. "If your child isn't in severe pain, your doctor may suggest a 'wait-and-see' approach coupled with over-the-counter pain relievers to see if the infection clears on its own," Tunkel says.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your infection. At urgent care, you may receive: Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics (if bacterial) Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication.