What are the symptoms of middle ear infections?

Quick facts: Symptoms of middle ear infections include earache, feeling or being sick, a high temperature, muffled hearing, excessive tiredness and sometimes fluid or discharge coming from the ear. Seek urgent care from a GP or 111 if you notice severe or worsening pain, swelling and redness behind the ear, hearing loss, dizziness or a severe sore throat. Infections in infants in both ears, or in those with underlying conditions, also require closer attention.

Middle ear infections  – also known as acute otitis media – are common, especially in children. They can be uncomfortable and worrying for both little ones and parents, but in many cases they clear up on their own in time.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the symptoms of middle ear infections, as well as how long they usually last and when to seek support from your local Day Lewis Pharmacy.

What are the symptoms of a middle ear infection?

The symptoms of a middle ear infection can come on quite quickly. One of the most common signs is earache, which may feel sharp, dull or like pressure inside the ear.

You or your child may also notice:

• Muffled hearing
• A high temperature
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Feeling or being sick
• Fluid or discharge coming from the ear.

In babies and very young children, symptoms can be harder to spot. They may not be able to explain what’s wrong, so it’s helpful to look out for changes in their behaviour.

Signs in infants can include:

• Pulling, rubbing or tugging at their ear
• Crying more than usual
• Losing their appetite
• Having trouble sleeping
• Not responding to sounds as they normally would
• Seeming a little unsteady or struggling to stay balanced.

Most middle ear infections clear up without causing serious problems, but some symptoms need urgent medical advice. Seek help from NHS 111, a GP or urgent treatment service if you or your child has:

• A very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
• Severe or worsening ear pain
• Swelling, redness or tenderness around or behind the ear
• Fluid or pus coming from the ear
• Dizziness, vomiting or a severe sore throat
• Hearing loss or a noticeable change in hearing
• Symptoms that are getting worse or not improving after a few days
• Earache in both ears in a child under 12 months
• Repeated ear infections
• An underlying health condition, which could make complications more likely.

Adults can also get middle ear infections, although they’re much less common than in children. Typically, adults experience similar symptoms to older children, such as earache, muffled hearing and feeling fatigued.

A pharmacist can offer advice on managing symptoms and help you to understand what to do next. However, NHS Pharmacy First treatment for this condition is only available for those aged 1 to 17 in England, so adults aren’t eligible to receive treatment directly from a pharmacy.

If needed, adults will need to see a GP for assessment – but many middle ear infections clear by themselves.

How long does acute otitis media last?

Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection that usually starts suddenly and is short term. In most cases, it gets better on its own without specific treatment.

Symptoms often start to improve within 3 days, although they can sometimes last for up to a week. Some children may feel better quite quickly, while others may take a little longer to fully recover – it varies from person to person.

You can speak to your local Day Lewis pharmacist for advice on managing symptoms and choosing suitable pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

You should seek further advice if:

• Symptoms don’t improve after a few days
• The infection becomes worse
• You’re worried about your child’s health.

In the majority of cases, middle ear infections clear up on their own without the need for specific treatment. But if your child’s infection persists, a Day Lewis pharmacist may be able to provide treatment through the Pharmacy First scheme, which may include antibiotics in some cases.

Middle ear infections can be uncomfortable, but knowing what to look out for can help you to feel more confident about what to do next. For friendly advice and support, visit your local Day Lewis Pharmacy, where our team can help you find the right next step.

FAQs

Is acute otitis media dangerous?

Acute otitis media isn’t usually dangerous and often gets better within a few days. Most children recover without any long-term problems, although it can be painful and upsetting while symptoms last.

In some cases, further advice is needed. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if symptoms don’t improve after 2 to 3 days, pain is severe, there’s fluid or pus coming from the ear or your child keeps getting ear infections.

Serious complications are rare, but urgent help is needed if your child seems very unwell or you notice swelling behind the ear.

What causes middle ear infections?

Middle ear infections often happen after a cold or flu. These viruses can cause swelling and a build-up of mucus in the middle ear, which can block the Eustachian tube – the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose.

When fluid can’t drain properly from the Eustachian tube, infection can develop. This is more common in children because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and can become blocked more easily. Enlarged adenoids – specialised lumps of tissue at the back of the throat – can also increase the risk in some children.

Depending on the initial infection, acute otitis media can be caused by either viruses or bacteria.

Can a middle ear infection go away on its own?

Yes, middle ear infections can often go away on their own. Many improve within 3 days, although some can last for around a week. Antibiotics aren’t always needed, as the infection may be caused by a virus, which antibiotics don’t treat.

A Day Lewis pharmacist can advise you on how to manage symptoms with over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Seek further help if symptoms get worse or don’t improve after a few days.