ear infections (otitis media)
also known as: otitis media, middle ear infection, glue ear
ear infections are extremely common in children — about 75% of children will have at least one by age 3. they happen when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected, usually following a cold. they are more common in winter and in children who attend childcare.
contagious
not contagious — ear infections themselves do not spread, but the cold that causes them may be
duration
pain usually improves within 2-3 days, full recovery 1-2 weeks
common age
6 months to 3 years
symptoms
- •ear pain (babies may tug at their ear or be unusually unsettled)
- •fever
- •irritability, especially when lying down
- •difficulty sleeping
- •fluid draining from the ear
- •trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- •loss of appetite
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is under 6 months old with suspected ear infection
- •symptoms do not improve after 2-3 days
- •fluid or pus draining from the ear
- •high fever (above 39degC)
- •your child seems very unwell
- •recurrent ear infections (3+ in 6 months or 4+ in 12 months)
- •you are concerned about hearing
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •your child has a high fever with a stiff neck and is very drowsy (possible meningitis)
- •your child is unresponsive
- •sudden severe swelling or redness behind the ear (possible mastoiditis)
home treatment
- •give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
- •place a warm (not hot) cloth over the ear for comfort
- •keep your child's head slightly elevated when resting
- •most ear infections clear up without antibiotics in 2-3 days
- •do not put anything in the ear canal
- •see your GP — they may prescribe antibiotics if it is bacterial and not improving
prevention
- •keep immunisations up to date — pneumococcal and flu vaccines can reduce risk
- •breastfeeding provides some protection
- •do not let your baby drink a bottle lying flat
- •avoid cigarette smoke exposure
- •regular handwashing to reduce colds that lead to ear infections
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.