Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection
by: Alayne Ronnenberg, ScD
Ear infections frequently develop during
or shortly after another infection, such as a cold or sore throat.
The Ear:
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Symptoms include:
Ear pain (Note: Children who can talk may
tell you that their ear hurts. Babies may tug or rub at the ear
or face or become irritable.)
Drainage from the ear (This may appear as blood, clearish fluid,
pus, or as a dry crust on the outer portion of the ear after sleeping.)
Hearing loss, which resolves with appropriate treatment
Fever
Irritability
Decreased appetite or difficulty feeding
Disturbed sleep
Difficulty with balance, frequent falling, sensations of dizziness
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Malaise (feeling of general illness)
Chills
Diarrhea
Inattentiveness
Some children with ear infection, particularly chronic otitis, have
no symptoms. Their condition may be discovered on examination for
some other problem.
Sources: Nelson
Textbook of Pediatrics, 16th edition. W.B. Saunders, 2000.
National
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) American
Medical Association
Last reviewed February 2003 by Lawrence
Frisch, MD
Please be aware that this information
is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It
is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional
medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK
YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician
or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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