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.



LISTEN ABOVE

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. 
 
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

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