An ear infection is a condition that can cause pain in the ear, fever, and trouble hearing. Ear infections are common in children.
Ear infections often occur in children after they get a cold. Fluid can build up in the middle part of the ear behind the eardrum. This fluid can become infected and press on the eardrum, causing it to bulge. Some common symptoms include Fever, Pulling on the ear, Being more fussy or less active than usual, Having no appetite and not eating as much, Vomiting or diarrhea
If you think your child has an ear infection, see a doctor or nurse. The doctor or nurse should be able to tell if your child has an ear infection. He or she will ask about symptoms, do an exam, and look in your child’s ears.
Doctors can treat ear infections with antibiotics. These medicines kill the bacteria that cause some ear infections. But doctors do not always prescribe these medicines right away. That’s because many ear infections are caused by viruses — not bacteria — and antibiotics do not kill viruses. Plus, many children get over ear infections without antibiotics.
Middle ear infections usually occur along with an upper respiratory infection (URI), such as a cold. Fluid builds up in the middle ear, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses to grow into an ear infection.
Pus forms as the body tries to fight the ear infection. More fluid collects and pushes against the eardrum, causing pain and sometimes problems hearing. Fever typically lasts a few days. And pain and crying usually last for several hours.
Some inner ear abnormalities can cause persistent, non-vertigo-type dizziness.
END YOUR ILLNESS 