Ear infections occur most often in children six years or younger, but may happen at any age. These may occur after a cold or sore throat. If not treated, ear infections may cause a serious hearing problem or deafness.
An ear infection needs to be treated right away! Once a person has had an ear infection, he or she is more likely to get another one.
Symptoms of an ear infection are:
Pain in the ear.
Pulling or tugging at the ear by a child.
Fever, headache.
Irritability - (a child may be crabby).
Swelling in front or back of the ear.
Treatment suggestions
If the doctor orders an antibiotic, make sure the antibiotic is taken for as long as the doctor says! (Even if a person feels better, he or she may still have the infection.)
Drink plenty of fluids while the infection is present.
Children should not be given aspirin!
A child with a fever should be kept in the house until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.
Never put anything in the ear. A cotton swab or bobby pin can put a hole in the ear drum or start an infection.
If symptoms are not gone after the antibiotics are taken, return to your doctor.
This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.
