Ear Infection in Kids: Your Complete FAQ Guide

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. They can cause significant discomfort, irritability, and even temporary hearing loss. This article will answer all your questions about ear infections in kids, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent future infections.

At After Hours Kids in Austin, Texas, we specialize in pediatric care, including the diagnosis and treatment of ear infections. We are open seven nights a week, ensuring your child gets the care they need when it matters most. If your child is experiencing ear pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit.

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation in the ear, leading to pain, fluid buildup, and discomfort. Most ear infections affect the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum containing tiny bones responsible for hearing.

There are three main types of ear infections:

Middle ear infections (Otitis Media): The most common type in children, occurring when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum, leading to pressure and pain.
Outer ear infections (Otitis Externa): Also known as “swimmer’s ear,” this occurs when bacteria infect the outer ear canal, often due to moisture buildup.
Chronic ear infections: These are recurrent ear infections or infections that don’t fully heal, leading to middle ear fluid buildup and potential hearing issues.

What Causes an Ear Infection?

Ear infections happen when the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, become blocked. This can cause fluid to accumulate, leading to infection. Common causes include:

Colds, flu, or respiratory infections: These increase mucus production, making it easier for bacteria to grow in the middle ear.
Allergies: Inflammation caused by allergies can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to fluid buildup.

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors can increase the chance of your child getting an ear infection. These risk factors include the following:

Exposure to smoke: Secondhand smoke irritates the ear and increases the risk of infection.
Bottle-feeding while lying down – This can cause fluid to enter the middle ear, increasing the risk of infection.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

The most common ear infection symptoms in children include:

Fever or ear pain: Fever may not always be present with an ear infection, but could be a symptom and is suspicious for an ear infection when accompanied by ear pain or fussiness when laying flat to sleep.
Pulling or tugging at the ear: Younger children may do this when experiencing discomfort. Pulling on ears can also be a comfort mechanism or habit, so if present without fever or increased irritability, this is symptom is less worrisome.
Irritability and fussiness: Especially in infants and toddlers, and most prominent when lying flat to sleep.
Difficulty sleeping: Lying down can increase pressure in the middle ear, making symptoms worse.
Hearing problems: Temporary hearing loss due to middle ear fluid buildup. Thankfully, after infection resolves, this symptom should resolve as well.
Fluid drainage: Pus or fluid leaking from the ear could indicate a ruptured eardrum.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, After Hours Kids can help. Our pediatricians are available every evening to evaluate your child’s condition and provide the necessary care.

How to Relieve Ear Pain

If your child is suffering from ear pain, here are some steps to help relieve their discomfort:

Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as recommended for your child’s age) can help reduce fever or ear pain.
Apply a warm compress: A warm cloth over the ear can soothe discomfort.
Encourage rest and sleep in an upright position: Propping your child’s head up can reduce pressure in the middle ear.

If pain persists or worsens, visit After Hours Kids for a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Does My Child Need Antibiotics?

Not all ear infections require antibiotics. Many mild ear infections clear up on their own within a few days. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if:

Your child is under 2 years old.
Symptoms last longer than 48 hours or worsen.
There is severe ear pain or a high fever.
The child experiences recurrent ear infections.

Our team at After Hours Kids can determine if antibiotics are necessary or if a “watch and wait” approach is best.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?

Most middle ear infections improve within 2–3 days, but middle ear fluid can take weeks to fully drain. Chronic or recurrent ear infections may require additional treatment, such as ear tubes, to prevent fluid buildup and future infections.

If your child experiences frequent ear infections, schedule an appointment with After Hours Kids to discuss possible treatment options.

Contact After Hours Kids for Immediate Ear Care

At After Hours Kids, we understand that ear infections can be painful and disruptive. That’s why we provide after-hours pediatric care in Austin, TX, seven nights a week.

If your child is experiencing ear pain, fever, or other symptoms of an ear infection, we are here to help.

Medically reviewed by Emily D. Woodard

FAQs About Ear Infections in Kids

Can ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?

Most ear infections only cause temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup.

What are ear tubes, and when are they needed?

Ear tubes are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to allow fluid drainage. They are recommended for children who have repeated ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid that affects hearing.

How can I prevent ear infections?

To help prevent ear infections in children:

For infants and toddlers, using nasal saline drops or spray followed by nasal suction can be very helpful in preventing ear infections.
For older children, using nasal saline followed by blowing the nose can be very helpful
Keep vaccinations up to date.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Keep your child upright while bottle-feeding.
For older children: Teach proper hand hygiene to prevent colds and respiratory infections.

Are some children more prone to ear infections?

Ear infections are more common in infants and toddlers naturally due to their anatomy. Initially, the eustachian tube is more narrow and horizontal, so mucus behind the nose more easily lingers in the eustachian tube than in those who are older, where the tube is wider and more vertical, helping facilitate drainage.

When should I see a provider?

Seek medical attention if:

Your child has severe ear pain or a fever over 102°F.
Symptoms last more than 2–3 days.
There is fluid or pus leaking from the ear.
Your child experiences repeated ear infections.

At After Hours Kids, we are available every night to assess and treat ear infections in kids. Contact us today for expert pediatric care.

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