Ear infection symptoms
Middle ear infection symptoms may vary between individuals in character and intensity. The most common ear infection symptoms are: ear pain, discomfort and in some cases an itchy ear.
The onset of ear infection symptoms is commonly rapid. It is extremely important to detect ear infection symptoms at early stages in order to determine accurate treatment and prevent further complications (such as ruptured eardrum and hearing loss).
Generally, ear infection symptoms arise due to a bacterial or viral infection in the fluid that builds up inside the middle ear. In many cases, ear infection symptoms follow an upper respiratory related infection, such as a common cold.
The most common symptom of an ear infection is an ear pain. However, it is important to note that an ear pain does not necessarily indicate a middle ear infection. Ear pain may occur due to fluid buildup in the middle ear (e.g. after a cold) or related to "referred pain" such as a tooth ache.
Ear infection symptoms in children can include:
- Increased irritability and inconsolable crying (especially in toddlers and young children)
- Trouble sleeping
- Generally unwell feeling
- Diarrhea, Vomiting, nausea and vertigo
- Fever or high temperature may occur
- Loss of balance
- Discharge or increased secretion from the ear
- Diminished hearing
- Plugged ear or fullness sensation in the ear
- Perforation of eardrum in some cases, which leads to mucus outburst and usually relieves pain. A perforated eardrum should heal by itself within a few weeks and should not be a cause of concern.
- Thick and glue-like fluid
Ear infection symptoms in adults can include:
- Inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear
- Ear pain
- Sore throat
- Diminished hearing in the affected ear
- Increased likelihood for ruptured eardrum
