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Ear Infection Questions

A middle-ear infection is inflammation or infection behind the eardrum. It can cause ear pain, fever, irritability, muffled hearing or fluid drainage.

Viruses and bacteria can cause middle-ear infections, often after a cold blocks normal drainage from the middle ear. Fluid can also remain behind the eardrum after the infection clears.

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AAP Guide to Ear Infection Questions

The AAP guide below explains treatment, what to expect afterward and when repeated infections may lead to a discussion about tubes.

AAP Symptom CheckerEar infections

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child has significant ear pain or persistent fever.
  • Fluid or pus drains from the ear.
  • Hearing seems reduced after the infection.
  • Ear infections keep returning.
  • Symptoms are not improving as expected.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • The area behind the ear becomes very swollen, red or tender and your child appears ill.
  • Your child is not alert or has another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms