Ear infections frequently develop during or shortly after another infection, such as a
cold
or
sore throat
.
Symptoms include:
- Ear pain (Note: Children who can talk may tell you that their ear hurts. Babies may tug or rub at the ear or face or become irritable.)
- Drainage from the ear (This may appear as blood, clearish fluid, pus, or as a dry crust on the outer portion of the ear after sleeping.)
- Hearing loss, which resolves with appropriate treatment
- Fever
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite or difficulty feeding
- Disturbed sleep
- Difficulty with balance, frequent falling, sensations of dizziness
-
Nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea
- Malaise (feeling of general illness)
- Chills
- Inattentiveness
Some children with ear infection, particularly chronic otitis, have no symptoms. Their condition may be discovered on examination for some other problem.