Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection usually starts when a cold virus causes the tube connecting the throat and the ear to swell and close. When this tube closes off, fluid gets into the ear and germs may start to grow. When the body starts to get rid of the germs, pressure inside the ear may rise causing the ear to hurt. Young children get more ears infections because the tubes connecting their throat and ears are shorter and get blocked more easily.

Home Treatment:

• Warmth helps make the pain better. Use a warm cloth and put it on the area that hurts.
• Get lots of rest so the body can fight infection.
• Drink lots of water and clear juices.
• Do not give aspirin to anyone under 21 years old.
• Use aspirin (ASA), ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempera, store-brand) to help with the pain. If you take a blood thinner, you should use acetaminophen. If unsure about the right amount or you have allergies to these, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are given antibiotics to take, (not all ear infections need antibiotics) make sure to take them as the directions say. Remember that it is O.K. to take medication to help with the pain or fever while taking antibiotics.
• Breast-feed your baby. Breastfed babies have lower risk of ear infections.
• Bottle fed babies should be fed upright. If fed laying down the milk goes into the tube between their throat and ear. Do not let babies fall asleep with a bottle. Nursing babies may fall asleep at the breast.

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your ear really hurts at night and feels better in the morning.
• A headache, fever, and stiff neck are present.
• There is white, yellow, or bloody drainage from the ear.
• You do not feel any better after taking antibiotics for 3 to 4 days