What is an ear infection?
Ear infections can affect the outer canal or middle ear. Location, age and other findings guide care.
Causes, symptoms and diagnosis
1. Definition and causes Middle-ear infection may follow a respiratory illness; moisture and irritation can affect the outer canal. Ear pain has other causes, so examination matters. 2. Symptoms and assessment Pain, fever, reduced hearing or discharge may occur. Young children may be unsettled or feed differently; viewing the canal and eardrum guides care. 3. Care and treatment Some middle-ear cases improve with observation and pain relief; others need medicines. Outer-ear care differs. Avoid unadvised drops or objects in the ear.
Warning signs and prevention
4. When to seek help Swelling behind the ear, marked hearing loss, facial weakness, high fever or severe illness need prompt care. Infants and recurrent cases need particular attention. 5. Prevention and daily life Avoid cotton buds deep in the ear and unnecessary irritation. Recurrent infection or persistent hearing problems require follow-up; clinicians decide on antibiotics.