Ear infections are a common ailment, and recognizing the symptoms early is key to getting timely care. Typically, the signs of an ear infection appear rapidly and can include several noticeable indicators.
One of the most common signs is pain inside the ear, often described as an earache. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. Alongside ear pain, you might experience a high temperature, indicating your body is fighting off infection. Difficulty hearing is another symptom, as the infection can affect the middle ear and the transmission of sound. You may also notice discharge running out of the ear, which can be clear, white, yellow, or even slightly bloody.
A sensation of pressure or fullness inside the ear is also typical, as inflammation and fluid buildup occur. Furthermore, you might experience itching and irritation in and around the ear, and the skin in these areas could become scaly.
In young children and babies, ear infection symptoms can manifest differently and may be harder to identify verbally. Pay attention to these signs in infants and toddlers:
- Rubbing or pulling their ear: This is a common reflexive action when a child feels discomfort in their ear.
- Not reacting to some sounds: If you notice your child isn’t responding to noises as usual, it could indicate hearing difficulties due to an ear infection.
- Being irritable or restless: Unexplained fussiness and difficulty settling down can be signs of ear discomfort in young children.
- Being off their food: Pain and general unwellness from an ear infection can reduce a child’s appetite.
- Keep losing their balance: Ear infections can sometimes affect balance, leading to clumsiness or unsteadiness.
It’s important to note the different types of ear infections, as this can influence symptoms and treatment approaches. Ear infections are broadly categorized into inner, middle, and outer ear infections, each affecting a different part of the ear.
| Type of Ear Infection | Who it Affects | Causes | Area Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner ear infection | Children and adults | Viral or bacterial infections | Parts of the inner ear, including the labyrinth and vestibular system; can lead to labyrinthitis |
| Middle ear infection (Otitis Media) | Usually children | Viruses like colds and flu | Eustachian tube, connecting the middle ear (behind the eardrum) to the back of the nose |
| Outer ear infection (Otitis Externa) | Children and adults | Irritants to the ear canal (eczema, water, earplugs), fungal or bacterial infection | Ear canal (the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum) |
Most ear infections will resolve on their own within 3 days, though sometimes symptoms can persist for up to a week. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to take steps to manage discomfort and know when to seek professional medical advice.
Self-Care for Ear Infections
For managing the pain and discomfort of an ear infection at home, several measures can be taken.
What To Do
- Pain Relief: Utilize over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Remember that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old.
- Discharge Removal: Gently wipe away any discharge from the ear using cotton wool to keep the area clean.
What To Avoid
- Inserting Objects into the Ear: Do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds or fingers, to remove earwax. This can worsen the condition or push debris further in.
- Water and Shampoo in the Ear: Prevent water or shampoo from getting into the ear canal, as moisture can exacerbate an infection.
- Swimming: Avoid swimming while you have an ear infection to prevent further irritation and potential complications.
- Decongestants and Antihistamines: These medications are generally not effective for ear infections, and there’s no evidence to support their use for this condition.
When to Seek Help: Pharmacist and GP Advice
For children aged 1 to 17 years showing signs of an ear infection, a pharmacist can be a valuable first point of contact. Pharmacists are qualified to offer advice and recommend treatments for ear infections, often providing similar remedies as a GP. They can also guide you on the next steps if further medical attention is needed.
Consult a GP (Non-Urgent) if:
- Earache persists and does not improve after 3 days.
- You or your child experience frequent ear infections.
Seek Urgent Medical Advice from a GP or NHS 111 if you have ear infection symptoms and:
- Feel generally unwell.
- Have a very high temperature or chills.
- Experience swelling around the ear.
- Notice fluid discharge from the ear.
- Have changes in hearing or hearing loss.
- Feel nauseous, vomit, experience dizziness, or have a severe sore throat.
- Your child is under 2 years old and has earache in both ears.
- You have pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, or neurological conditions.
- You have a weakened immune system.
For urgent advice, contact NHS 111 by phone or utilize their online service.
GP Examination and Treatment
When you consult a GP for an ear infection, they will typically use an otoscope – an instrument with a light and magnifying lens – to examine your ear canal and eardrum. Some otoscopes also emit a puff of air to check for blockages, which can indicate infection.
Treatment from a GP will depend on the cause and location of the ear infection. If you have a boil or spot in your ear, the GP may drain it. Prescriptions might include:
- Antibiotic tablets or eardrops for bacterial infections.
- Antifungal or steroid eardrops for fungal infections or inflammation.
- Painkilling eardrops to manage localized pain.
It’s crucial to use eardrops correctly to ensure their effectiveness. Follow these steps for proper eardrop administration:
- Clear any discharge or earwax using cotton wool.
- Lie down with the affected ear facing upwards.
- Gently pull and manipulate your ear as instructed to allow the drops to enter the ear canal.
- Remain lying down for about 5 minutes to prevent the drops from leaking out.
Prevention of Ear Infections
While not always preventable, especially those linked to colds and flu, certain measures can reduce the risk of ear infections:
- Ensure children receive all recommended childhood vaccinations.
- Minimize children’s exposure to smoky environments.
- Consider limiting dummy use in children after 6 months of age.
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or fingers into ears.
- Use earplugs or swimming caps when swimming to keep water out.
- Try to prevent water and shampoo from entering ears during showers or baths; consider using cotton wool with petroleum jelly to create a barrier if needed.
- Manage underlying conditions affecting the ears, such as eczema or hearing aid allergies.
By understanding the symptoms of ear infections, practicing self-care, and knowing when to seek medical advice, you can effectively manage ear infections and promote quicker recovery.
