Ear Infection

Ear infections are very common, especially in children. The good news is that most get better on their own within 3 days, though sometimes they can last up to a week.

What Are the Signs?

If you or your child has an ear infection, you might notice:

• Pain inside the ear - this is often the main symptom
• High temperature (fever)
• Trouble hearing - sounds might seem muffled
• Discharge coming out of the ear
• Feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
• Itching around the ear
• Flaky skin around the ear

In babies and young children, you might also see:

• Rubbing or pulling at their ear
• Not responding to sounds as usual
• Being more irritable than normal
• Going off their food
• Losing their balance more than usual

Different Types of Ear Infections

There are three main types:

• Outer ear infections - affect the ear canal (the tube leading to your eardrum)
• Middle ear infections - affect the space behind your eardrum
• Inner ear infections - affect the deeper parts of your ear

Each type can happen to both children and adults, though middle ear infections are more common in children.

What Can You Do at Home?

Things that help:

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (never give aspirin to children under 16)
• Wipe away any discharge gently with cotton wool

Things to avoid:

• Don't put cotton buds or fingers in the ear
• Don't let water or shampoo get in the ear
• Don't go swimming while you have an infection
• Don't use decongestants or antihistamines - they don't help with ear infections

When to Get Help

See a pharmacist if:

• Your child is aged 1-17 and you think they have an ear infection (pharmacists can give the same treatments as GPs for children)

Speak to your GP if:

• Your baby is under 12 months old and you think they have an ear infection
• Earache doesn't get better after 3 days
• You or your child keep getting ear infections

When It's Urgent - Get Help Straight Away

Contact NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you or your child:

• Feel generally unwell with ear infection symptoms
• Have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
• Have swelling around the ear
• Have fluid coming out of the ear
• Have hearing changes or new hearing loss
• Feel sick, are vomiting, feel dizzy, or have a severe sore throat
• Are under 12 months old with earache in both ears
• Have diabetes, heart, lung, kidney problems, or a weak immune system

Can You Prevent Ear Infections?

You can't always prevent them, especially those caused by colds and flu. But these things help:

• Make sure your child has all their vaccinations
• Keep children away from smoky places
• Don't give dummies to babies over 6 months old
• Use earplugs when swimming
• Keep water out of ears when washing
• Don't put cotton buds in ears

Remember, most ear infections clear up on their own within a few days. If you're worried or symptoms aren't improving, speak to your GP for advice.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.