Otitis Media (Middle ear infection)
Background to Otitis Media
Otitis media (OM) is an infection behind the eardrum. This causes fluid build-up behind the eardrum, which is felt as pain. The cause can be viral or bacterial, and OM often occurs alongside a cough or cold.
What is the impact of Otitis Media
The most common symptom is earache or ear pain. Younger children who cannot describe the pain may rub or tug their ear, and may have more non-specific general symptoms such as being more restless, crying more, having a temperature, being more restless, and having general cough/cold symptoms.
Pain can build quite quickly, and in some cases the eardrum will burst (“perforate”), and pus may drain out of the ear. This can sometimes reduce the pain.
Treatments
Initial treatment for ear infections is always pain relief taken regularly. Ideally, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken alternately throughout the day, but if you have any medical conditions or take any regular medications, check with your pharmacist or GP first to make sure this is safe.
If the symptoms persist for more than two or three days, pain relief isn’t controlling the symptoms very well, or the person affected is feeling generally unwell, consider booking an appointment to discuss whether more specific treatments would be beneficial.
For more information
Visit the NHS website
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