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Middle Ear Infection in Children

Middle ear infection, also called otitis media, can be painful for children.
This infection is caused when the fluid draining from your child’s ear gets
blocked. This may happen when your child has a cold, allergy or the flu. The
fluid build-up lets bacteria grow and puts pressure on your child’s eardrum.

Signs of a Middle Ear Infection

• Waking up at night crying
• Rubbing or pulling of the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Not wanting to eat
• Fever

Older children may complain of:

• Pain in the ear or jaw
• Ringing in the ear
• Feeling of motion or fullness in the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Fever

Your Child’s Care

Ear infections sometimes go away on their own, but it is best to see your
child’s doctor if signs last more than two days.

• Your doctor will look at your child’s ears and ask about his or her signs.
• Antibiotic medicine may be ordered. Be sure to give all of the medicine,

even if your child feels well.

• Do not put anything in your child’s ears including liquids, herbs or

cotton-tipped applicators unless directed to do so by your child’s doctor.
They can block the ear canal, causing a loss of hearing or infection.

Here are some ways to prevent an ear infection.

• Hold your baby upright when feeding. Never prop up the bottle.
• Keep your children away from people who are smoking.
• Teach your children to wash their hands often and not to touch their eyes

or runny nose.