Ear Infection in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is also called otitis media. Ear infections can happen any time during the year. They are most common during the winter and spring months. Your child may have an ear infection more than once.

What causes an ear infection?

Blocked or swollen eustachian tubes can cause an infection. Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. They drain fluid from the middle ear. Your child may have a buildup of fluid in his or her ear. Germs build up in the fluid and infection develops.

What increases my child's risk for an ear infection?

• Daycare or school
• Being around people who smoke
• A brother, sister, or parent with a history of ear infections
• An ear infection before 6 months of age
• Health conditions such as cleft palate or Down syndrome
• Use of pacifiers after 10 months of age
• Flat position when he or she drinks a bottle

What are the signs and symptoms of an ear infection?

• Fever
• Ear pain or tugging, pulling, or rubbing of the ear
• Decreased appetite from painful sucking, swallowing, or chewing
• Fussiness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
• Yellow fluid or pus coming from the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Dizziness or loss of balance

How is an ear infection diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child's ears, head, neck, and mouth. He or she will also ask you to describe your child's symptoms. Your child may also need the following:

• Audiometry is a test used to check for hearing loss. Sounds are played at different volumes to check how much your child can hear.
• Tympanometry is a test used to check pressure changes in your child's inner ear.

How is an ear infection treated?

• Medicines:
  • Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
  • NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
  • Ear drops help treat your child's ear pain.
  • Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
• Ear tubes are used to keep fluid from collecting in your child's ears. Your child may need these to help prevent ear infections or hearing loss. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information on ear tubes.

How can I manage my child's symptoms?

• Have your child lie with his or her infected ear facing down to allow fluid to drain from the ear.
• Apply heat on your child's ear for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day or as directed. You can apply heat with an electric heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm compress. Always put a cloth between your child's skin and the heat pack to prevent burns. Heat helps decrease pain.
• Apply ice on your child's ear for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day for 2 days or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your child's ear. Ice decreases swelling and pain.
• Ask about ways to keep water out of your child's ears when he or she bathes or swims.

What can I do to help prevent an ear infection?

• Wash your and your child's hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Ask everyone in your house to wash their hands with soap and water. Ask them to wash after they use the bathroom or change a diaper. Remind them to wash before they prepare or eat food.
• Keep your child away from people who are ill, such as sick playmates. Germs spread easily and quickly in daycare centers.
• If possible, breastfeed your baby. Your baby may be less likely to get an ear infection if he or she is breastfed.
• Do not give your child a bottle while he or she is lying down. This may cause liquid from the sinuses to leak into his or her eustachian tube.
• Keep your child away from cigarette smoke. Smoke can make an ear infection worse. Move your child away from a person who is smoking. If you currently smoke, do not smoke near your child. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you want help to quit smoking.
• Ask about vaccines. Vaccines may help prevent infections that can cause an ear infection. Have your child get a yearly flu vaccine as soon as recommended, usually in September or October. Ask about other vaccines your child needs and when he or she should get them.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child seems confused or cannot stay awake.
• Your child has a stiff neck, headache, and a fever.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• You see blood or pus draining from your child's ear.
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child is still not eating or drinking 24 hours after he or she takes medicine.
• Your child has pain behind his or her ear or when you move the earlobe.
• Your child's ear is sticking out from his or her head.
• Your child still has signs and symptoms of an ear infection 48 hours after he or she takes medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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