

This means mucus can't drain away properly. This causes the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to become swollen or blocked. Most middle ear infections occur when an infection such as a cold (viral infection), leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear. Viral infections will not respond to an antibiotic, and clear up without treatment. Infections may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Read more about giving your child painkillers.They may occasionally be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/earpainfinal-01-5c86a4ba46e0fb00015f8fca.png)
Make sure any painkillers you give to your child are the right ones for their age.Īntibiotics aren't routinely used to treat middle ear infections. If necessary, paracetamol or ibuprofen should be used to relieve pain and a high temperature. Most ear infections clear up within three to five days and don't need any specific treatment. a weakened immune system – because of chemotherapy, for example.an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make complications more likely.a discharge of pus or fluid from the ear – some people develop a persistent and painless ear discharge that lasts for many months (known as chronic suppurative otitis media).other symptoms of being generally unwell, apart from the earache.symptoms in both ears (if your child is under two).symptoms showing no sign of improvement after three days.

Most cases of otitis media pass within a few days, so there's usually no need to see your GP.
