Ear Infections

Ear infections are very common in young children — most have at least one by age 3. They usually affect the middle ear (otitis media), often after a cold or flu. Most resolve on their own; some need antibiotics. Recurrent or poorly treated infections can affect hearing and speech development.

Symptoms

• Ear pain — child tugging at the ear; crying, especially at night.
• Fever.
• Reduced hearing — may be first sign in older children.
• Discharge from the ear — sometimes bloody or pus.
• Poor sleep, irritability, feeding problems in babies.
• Balance problems or dizziness occasionally.
• Ear pulling and restlessness without other signs isn't always an ear infection — teething and earwax also cause this.

When to see a Health Expert

• Any child under 6 months with ear pain or fever.
• Severe ear pain, high fever, or the child is unwell.
• Symptoms not improving after 48-72 hours.
• Discharge from the ear.
• Suspected hearing loss — particularly in children already developing speech.
• Repeated ear infections (4 or more a year).
• Red flags — go to hospital urgently: severe headache, neck stiffness, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, severe dizziness with vomiting.

Treatment

• Pain relief — a weight-appropriate simple pain reliever; warm compress. Most children feel better in 24-48 hours.
• Antibiotics — not every ear infection needs them; used for severe illness, bilateral infections in young children, or symptoms not settling. Over-prescription drives antibiotic resistance.
• Ear drops if ear drum is perforated or in outer ear infection — specific types; on prescription.
• Don't put oil, herbs, cotton buds, or unregulated drops into the ear.
• Persistent fluid (glue ear) may need specialist review; grommets (tiny tubes) help in some cases.

Prevention

• Vaccinate — PCV (pneumococcal) is part of UIP; influenza vaccine helps; Hib protects against a major cause.
• Breastfeeding lowers risk in the first year.
• No tobacco smoke in the home — passive smoke raises ear infection rates substantially.
• Clean hands reduce spread of colds that trigger ear infections.
• Bottle-feeding position — avoid feeding an infant flat on their back.
• Clear nose congestion promptly during colds; saline nasal rinses can help.