What is a ‘middle ear’ infection?
- One of the most common infections that occur in children.
- By school age most children would have had an infection, and it becomes less common as they get older.
- An infection of the middle ear: air filled space behind the ear drum, which contains the vibrating bones of the ear we hear with.
What do we need to look out for?
- Often starts with a cold.
- Tube that drains the middle ear to the back of throat becomes blocked.
- Middle ear fills up with fluid and can become infected with viruses or bacteria.
- Symptoms include pain in the ear, temperatures, headaches, and trouble hearing.
- Babies may cry a lot, pull at their ears, stop feeding, or be irritable.
- Drum may burst and discharge fluid from the ear
How is it diagnosed?
- Your doctor will look into the ear with a magnifier called an otoscope.
- They’ll look at the drum and see if it’s infected behind the drum.
How do we treat it?
- Most middle ear infections will clear themselves after four days.
- Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or brufen is used for symptom control, fluids, many cases don’t need antibiotics.
- With severe symptoms such as fever or vomiting, they’re more likely to use antibiotics.
Where there is risk of complications:
- Those younger than 2 years, Māori/pacific children, or underlying medical conditions.
Any long term concerns?
- Recurrent infection or can develop glue ear: thick mucus that won’t clear behind the drum.
- Can interfere with hearing.
- You may need to see an ear specialist to insert a grommet or drain.
- If you have hearing concerns, see your GP.
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