There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear.

Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion.

When the outer ear canal is infected, the condition is called swimmer’s ear, which is different from a middle ear infection.

Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (nontypeable)—the two most common bacterial causes

Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu

Ear pain

Fever

Fussiness or irritability

Rubbing or tugging at an ear

Difficulty sleeping

A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher

Pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear

Worsening symptoms

Symptoms of a middle ear infection that last for more than 2–3 days

Hearing loss

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

A doctor will determine what type of illness your child has by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Your doctor can make the diagnosis of a middle ear infection by looking inside your child’s ear to examine the eardrum and see if there is pus in the middle ear.

Antibiotics are often not needed for middle ear infections because the body’s immune system can fight off the infection on its own. However, sometimes antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are needed to treat severe cases right away or cases that last longer than 2–3 days.

For mild cases of middle ear infection, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.

Rest.

Drink extra water or other fluids.

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain or fever. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.

Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children.

Not all over-the-counter medicines are recommended for children of certain ages.

Pain relievers:

Cough and cold medicines:

Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.

Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking.

Receive recommended vaccines, such as flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against a common cause of middle ear infections, Streptococcus pneumonia.

Clean your hands.

Breastfeed exclusively until your baby is 6 months old and continue to breastfeed for at least 12 months.

Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.