Ear infections are very common, particularly in children.
You do not always need to see a GP for an ear infection. They often get better on their own within 3 days.
Symptoms of an ear infection
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
- pain inside the ear
- a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- vomiting (being sick)
- a lack of energy
- problems hearing
- fluid coming from the ear
- feeling pressure or fullness inside the ear
- itching and irritation in and around the ear
- scaly skin in and around the ear
Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:
- rub or pull their ear
- not react to some sounds
- be irritable or restless
- refuse their food
- lose their balance
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days. But sometimes symptoms can last up to 1 week.
Types of ear infections
The main types of ear infection are:
- middle ear infection (otitis media)
- outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Middle ear infections are caused by viruses such as colds or flu. The infection affects the eustachian tube. This tube runs behind the eardrum to the back of the nose.
Middle ear infections are more common in children.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Outer ear infections affect the ear canal. The ear canal runs between the outer ear and the eardrum.
Infections can happen when something irritates the ear canal, such as:
- eczema
- water
- wearing earplugs
- fungus
Outer ear infection are more common in adults age 45 to 75.
How to treat an ear infection yourself
To help relieve pain and discomfort from an ear infection:
Do
-
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen - do not give aspirin to children under 16
-
place a warm or cold flannel on the ear
-
wipe the ear with cotton wool to remove any discharge
Don't
-
do not put anything inside your ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or your finger
-
do not let water or shampoo get in your ear
How a pharmacist can help with an ear infection
Talk to a pharmacist if you think you have an ear infection.
A pharmacist can recommend eardrops to help stop bacteria or fungus spreading.
Decongestants or antihistamines do not help with ear infections.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if
you or your child has:
- a very high temperature (40 degrees Celsius or more) or feels hot and shivery
- an earache that does not start to improve after 3 days
- swelling around the ear
- fluid coming from the ear
- hearing loss or a change in hearing
- nausea (feeling sick) or dizziness
- a severe sore throat
- regular ear infections
- a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
- a weakened immune system
What happens at your GP appointment
Your GP may use a small light (otoscope) to look in the ear for signs of infection.
Some otoscopes blow a small puff of air into the ear. This can show if there is a blockage.
How a GP can help with an ear infection
Treatment for ear infections depends on the cause. Your GP may prescribe medicine.
Middle ear infections
Infections in the middle ear often clear up on their own. Antibiotics do not usually improve symptoms, including pain.
Your GP may prescribe antibiotics if you or your child has:
- symptoms that do not improve after 3 days
- fluid coming out of the ear
- a risk of complications, due to an illness such as cystic fibrosis or diabetes
If your child is under age 2 and has an infection in both ears, your GP may prescribe antibiotics.
Outer ear infections
Your GP may prescribe:
- antibiotic eardrops - to treat a bacterial infection
- steroid eardrops - to reduce swelling
- antifungal eardrops - to treat a fungal infection
- antibiotic tablets - if you have a severe bacterial infection
If you have a spot or boil in your ear, your GP may pierce it with a needle to drain the pus.
How to use eardrops
Eardrops work better if you use them correctly.
Before you use eardrops:
- wipe your ear with cotton wool - this removes any discharge or earwax
- hold the bottle in your hand to warm the eardrops - cold eardrops can make you feel dizzy
To use eardrops:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- Put in the recommended number of drops.
- Gently pull and push your ear so the drops go in well.
- Stay lying down for 5 minutes so the drops do not come out.
How to prevent ear infections
You cannot always prevent ear infections. Some ear infections are caused by colds and flu.
To help avoid ear infections in children:
- make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations
- keep your child away from smoky environments
- consider reducing use or weaning from soothers after 6 months
To help avoid outer ear infections:
- do not put your fingers or cotton buds in your ears
- use earplugs or a swimming hat over your ears when you swim
- try not to get water or shampoo in your ears when you have a shower or bath
- treat conditions that affect your ears, such as an allergy to hearing aids or eczema
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
