Ear infections sound trivial and in many cases, they are remedied without consequence. Nevertheless, for some children, ear infections have significant symptoms and complications. As always, when in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The eardrum, referred to by doctors as the tympanic membrane, separates the middle and outer ear. I will concentrate on infections in these areas, as as inner ear infections are not commonly a disease of childhood.
MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common infection of the middle ear, where the smallest bones of the body are found. Children may present with fever, vomiting, fiddling with the ear, irritability, balance problems, runny nose or refusal to feed. Older children may also complain of severe earache and pus may leak from the ear if the eardrum perforates. In children, particularly under six months old, otitis media may be a 'red herring' for a more serious infection such as meningitis.
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