Ear infections (also called otitis media) are a common problem in infants and children, but they can also occur in adults. Nearly 90% of children will experience at least one ear infection by the time they reach 3 years of age. The infection is painful because the buildup of fluid puts pressure on the eardrum. Most infections clear up on their own with home ear infection treatments, but more severe cases or those in young children require prescription antibiotics to fully heal.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Identifying an Ear Infection
Step 1. Know who is most at risk for ear infections
In general, children have a higher chance of developing ear infections than adults. This is because the eustachian tubes (the vessels that connect the middle ear cavity to the base of the throat) are smaller in children and are more prone to filling with fluid. Children's immune systems are also weaker than adults and are also more susceptible to viral infections such as colds. Anything that blocks the eustachian tube can cause an ear infection. There are other risk factors for ear infections, including:
- Allergy
- Respiratory infections such as colds and sinus infections
- Infection or problems with the adenoids (lymph tissue in the upper throat)
- Cigarette smoke
- Excess mucus or saliva, such as when a child's new teeth are growing
- Living in a cold climate
- Altitude or climate change
- Not breastfeeding when a baby
- New illness
- Entrusted with care, especially large-scale child care with many other children.
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of a middle ear infection
Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is the most common type of ear infection and is caused by a virus or bacteria. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum containing tiny bones that transmit vibrations to the inner ear. When the area fills with fluid, bacteria and viruses can enter and cause infection. Ear infections often follow a respiratory infection such as a cold, although severe allergies can also be a cause. Symptoms of a middle ear infection include:
- Pain or soreness inside the ear
- Ears feel full
- Feeling sick
- Gag
- Diarrhea
- Hearing loss in the infected ear
- Tinnitus
- Dizzy
- Ear discharge
- Fever, especially in children
Step 3. Distinguish between middle ear infections and swimmers' ear
Swimmers' ear, also called otitis externa or "external ear infection", is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi. A common cause of this type of infection is moisture (hence the name), but scratching or sticking something into your ear canal also makes you more susceptible to infection. Symptoms may be mild at first but get worse over time, including:
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness in the ear
- Discomfort that gets worse if you pull or push the earlobe
- Ear discharge (starts with a clear, odorless discharge, then may become pus)
-
More severe symptoms include:
- Feeling full or clogged
- Hearing loss
- Severe pain that radiates to the face or neck
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
Step 4. Look for signs of ear infections in children
Young children may exhibit different ear infection symptoms than older children and adults. Since young children are usually unable to communicate their feelings, look for the following symptoms:
- Tugging or scratching the ear
- Head banging
- Fussy, restless, or crying non-stop
- Hard to sleep
- Fever (usually in infants and very young children)
- Discharge from the ear
- Clumsiness or problems with balance
- Hearing problems
Step 5. Know when to seek medical attention immediately
Most ear infections can be treated at home, and many go away on their own. However, if your child experiences certain symptoms, you should contact the doctor immediately. The symptoms in question are:
- Blood or pus from the fluid (white, yellow, green, or red/pink in color)
- Persistent high fever, especially if above 39°C
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Stiff neck
- Tinnitus
- Pain or swelling behind or around the ear
- Ear pain that lasts more than 48 hours
Method 2 of 6: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Take your child to the doctor if he is less than six months old
If you notice any symptoms of an ear infection in your baby, take him to the doctor immediately. The immune system of babies at this age is not fully developed. Their risk of getting an ear infection is much higher and they may need antibiotics as soon as possible.
Do not try home remedies on infants and very young children. Consult with your pediatrician about the most appropriate treatment
Step 2. Let the doctor examine your ear or baby's ear
If you suspect that you or your baby has a serious ear infection, be prepared to undergo tests such as:
- Visual examination of the eardrum with an otoscope. It may be difficult for your child to sit still during this exam, but you should be able to because this test is important to determine if your child has an ear infection.
- An examination to see if the middle ear is blocked or filled using a pneumatic otoscope that will blow a small amount of air into the eardrum. The air will cause the eardrum to move back and forth. If fluid is present, the eardrum will not move easily or swiftly, and this indicates a possible ear infection.
- Examination with a tympanometer that uses sound and air pressure to check for fluid in the middle ear.
- If the infection is chronic or is a severe case, the audiologist may perform a hearing test to determine if hearing is reduced.
Step 3. Be prepared for a closer examination of the eardrum in case of persistent or chronic infection
If you or your child becomes quite sick from an ear problem, the doctor may make an opening in the eardrum and take a sample of fluid from the middle ear. Then, the sample is sent to a lab for testing.
Step 4. Keep in mind that you can treat ear infections at home
Most ear infections will go away on their own without treatment. Some cases go away within a few days, and most will go away on their own within 1-2 weeks even if not treated. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a “wait and see approach” with the following guidelines:
- Children 6–23 months: Wait and see if your child has mild pain in one inner ear for less than 48 hours and a body temperature of less than 39°C.
- Children 24 months and older: Wait and see if your child has mild pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a body temperature of less than 39°C.
- After 48 hours, you should see a doctor. Usually, you or your child will first be given antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading and reduce the chance of a rare, life-threatening infection.
- In rare cases, ear infections may be accompanied by serious complications, such as mastoiditis (infection of the bones around the skull), meningitis, spread of infection to the brain, or hearing loss.
Step 5. Be careful when flying with a child who has an ear infection
Children with active ear infections are at increased risk of a painful condition called barotrauma, which occurs when the middle ear tries to adjust to changes in pressure. Chewing gum during takeoff and landing can reduce this risk.
If your baby has an ear infection, bottle feeding during takeoff and landing can help regulate pressure in the middle ear
Method 3 of 6: Treating Ear Infections at Home
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken if the pain does not go away on its own or if there is no development of other symptoms. This medicine can also help reduce a child's fever and make the child feel better.
- Never give aspirin to a child under the age of 18 because this drug has been linked to Reye's syndrome which can cause brain damage and liver problems.
- Give pain relievers with special formulations for children. Follow the dosage recommendations on the package or ask your pediatrician.
- Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age.
Step 2. Use a warm compress
A warm compress will help reduce the pain of an ear infection. You can use a warm, damp washcloth for the compress.
- You can also fill a clean sock with rice or beans and tie the open so the sock closes. Place the sock in the microwave for 30 seconds, then repeat for another 30 seconds until it reaches the desired temperature. Put the compress on the ear.
- You can also use salt as a natural remedy. Heat a cup of salt and pour it on the cloth. Tie the cloth with an elastic band and place it over your ear while lying down for 5-10 minutes if you are hot.
- Apply warm compresses for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Step 3. Get plenty of rest
The body needs rest in order to recover from infection. Make sure you don't push yourself when you have an ear infection, especially if it's accompanied by a fever.
Pediatricians do not advise a child with an ear infection to skip school, unless he has a fever. However, you may need to monitor your child's activity to make sure he's getting enough rest
Step 4. Adequate hydration of the body
You should drink more water, especially if you have a fever.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink at least 13 glasses (3 liters) daily and women at least 9 glasses (2.2 liters) daily
Step 5. Try the Valsalva Maneuver if the ear infection is painless
The Valsalva maneuver can be used to open the eustachian tubes and reduce the feeling of "fullness" that may occur during an ear infection. You should also learn to do this maneuver even if you don't have ear problems.
- Take a deep breath and close your mouth.
- Pinch the nose. Then, while pinching, gently blow your nose.
- Do not blow too loudly or the eardrum will be damaged. You should be able to feel the ear "opening".
Step 6. Put mullein or warm garlic oil into the ear
Mullein and garlic are natural antibiotics and also relieve pain from ear infections. If you don't have garlic oil, you can make your own. You just need to cook 2 cloves of garlic in 2 tablespoons of mustard oil or sesame oil until they turn black. Cool the oil and use an eye dropper to put 2-3 drops of warm (not hot) oil into each ear.
You should always consult a pediatrician before trying this treatment on a child
Step 7. Try naturopathic remedies
There is one study that shows that a naturopathic herbal remedy called Oticon Otic solution (Healthy-On) can help reduce pain from ear infections.
Consult your doctor before using this medication. Never give an alternative medicine to a child without first consulting with a pediatrician
Method 4 of 6: Observing Conditions
Step 1. Monitor the condition of the ear carefully
Check your or your child's temperature often and watch for other symptoms.
- If you or your child have a fever or you notice flu-like symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, the infection may be getting worse and home remedies aren't working as well.
- Symptoms that should be taken to the doctor include feeling giddy, stiff neck, and swelling, pain, or redness around the ear. These symptoms indicate that the infection may have spread and requires immediate treatment.
Step 2. Notice if you have severe ear pain that then doesn't hurt at all
This may be an indication that the eardrum is ruptured. A ruptured eardrum can result in temporary hearing loss. It also makes the ear more susceptible to infection so the situation is even more serious.
- In addition to the absence of pain, the ear may also discharge fluid.
- Although a ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment, some problems still require medical intervention or treatment.
Step 3. Call your doctor if the pain gets worse within 48 hours
Most doctors do recommend a 48-hour “wait and see” approach, but if the pain gets worse during this period, call your doctor. Your doctor may recommend more intense treatment or antibiotics.
Step 4. Check your hearing or your child's hearing if fluid buildup in the ear persists after 3 months
This condition may be accompanied by significant hearing problems.
- Sometimes hearing may be lost in a short time, especially in children aged 2 years and under.
- If your child is under 2 years of age and has fluid buildup and hearing problems, the doctor may not wait until three months to start treatment. Hearing problems at this age can affect a child's ability to speak and cause other developmental problems.
Method 5 of 6: Using Antibiotics and Medical Treatment
Step 1. Get a prescription for antibiotics from your doctor
Antibiotics won't help with viral ear infections, so doctors don't always prescribe antibiotics for ear infections. All children under 6 months of age will be treated with antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor when you last used antibiotics, and what type. This helps your doctor choose the most effective antibiotic for you.
- Make sure you or your child take your antibiotic doses as scheduled to make sure the infection doesn't come back.
- Don't stop taking antibiotics if you haven't finished the prescribed amount, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotic treatment before it's finished can make any remaining bacteria resistant to antibiotics making your condition much more difficult to treat.
Step 2. Ask about prescription ear drops
Ear drops, such as antipyrine-benzocaine-glycerin (Aurodex), can help relieve pain from ear infections. Doctors will not prescribe ear drops to people who have a torn or perforated eardrum.
- To give your child ear drops, first warm the eardrop solution by placing the bottle in warm water or holding it between your hands for a few minutes. Lay the child on a flat surface with the infected ear facing you. Use the recommended dose. Have the child continue to tilt his head with the infected ear pointing up for about 2 minutes.
- Because benzocaine is a numbing agent, it's a good idea to ask someone else for help if you want to use it for yourself. Do not touch the ear with the dropper.
- Benzocaine may cause mild itching or redness. Benzocaine has also been linked to a rare but serious condition that affects blood oxygen levels. Never take more than the recommended dose of benzocaine, and consult your pediatrician to make sure you are giving the right dose.
Step 3. Ask about ear canal surgery if ear infections recur
Otitis media that often occurs requires a procedure called a myringotomy. You are said to have recurrent infections if you have had three episodes of ear infections in the past six months or four episodes in the past year, with at least one in the past six months. Ear infections that do not go away after treatment are also considered for this procedure.
Ear canal surgery or myringotomy is an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will insert a small tube into the eardrum so that the fluid behind the eardrum can drain easily. The eardrum usually closes again after the tube that was inserted is dropped or removed
Step 4. Discuss the possibility of adenoidectomy to remove the swollen adenoids with your doctor
If the adenoids, which are growths of tissue at the back of the nose, are always swollen, you may need to have them surgically removed.
Method 6 of 6: Prevent Ear Infections
Step 1. Update all necessary immunizations
Most cases of bacterial infection can be prevented by immunization. Flu shots and the pneumococcal vaccine are very likely to help reduce ear infections.
- You and all your family members should also get a flu shot every year. Vaccination will help keep you and your family safe from infection.
- Experts recommend the use of PCV13 pneumococcal conjugate vaccination for children. Ask your doctor for advice.
Step 2. Keep children's hands, toys and play areas clean
Wash children's hands and toys, and clean play areas to reduce the chance of infection.
Step 3. Try not to give the child a pacifier
A pacifier can be a vector for bacteria, including the bacteria that cause ear infections.
Step 4. Give breast milk directly, not by bottle
Leaks are more likely to occur in the bottle so the transmission of bacteria is higher.
- Breastfeeding also boosts your child's immune system, which helps him fight infections more easily.
- If you must give the bottle, place the child in an upright sitting position so the liquid will drip down, not into the ear.
- Never give a bottle to take a baby for a nap or a night's sleep.
Step 5. Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
Do this with the intention of preventing ear infections as well as for general health reasons.
Step 6. Don't overdo it with antibiotics
Using antibiotics for a long time can make the bacteria in your body or your child resistant to the effects of certain drugs. Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor, or when there are no other options.
Step 7. Try not to leave your child in day care, or take preventative measures
Child care facilities place your child at a 50% higher chance of developing an ear infection because there is more frequent transmission of bacterial and viral infections.
- If you must leave your child, teach them some tactics to avoid spreading infections, such as colds, which can lead to ear infections.
- Teach your child not to put toys or fingers in his mouth. The child should not touch his face with his hands, especially areas of the mucous membranes such as the mouth, eyes and nose. Children should wash their hands after eating and after defecating.
Step 8. Adopt a diet that includes antibiotics
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help your body stay strong and healthy. Some studies have also shown that "good" bacteria such as probiotics can help protect the body from infection.
