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Ear anatomy Middle ear infection (otitis media) Eustachian tube Mastoiditis - side view of head Mastoiditis - redness and swelling behind ear Ear tube insertion - series
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Ear infection - acute
Alternative Names: Otitis media - acute; Infection - inner ear; Middle ear infection - acute Symptoms: An acute ear infection causes pain (earache). In infants, the clearest sign is often irritability and inconsolable crying. Many infants and children develop a fever or have trouble sleeping. Parents often think that tugging on the ear is a symptom of an ear infection, but studies have shown that the same number of children going to the doctor tug on the ear whether or not the ear is infected. Text Continues Below Other possible symptoms include: Fullness in the ear Feeling of general illness Vomiting Diarrhea Hearing loss in the affected ear The child may have symptoms of a cold, or the ear infection may start shortly after having a cold. All acute ear infections include fluid behind the eardrum. You can use an electronic ear monitor, such as Earcheck, to detect this fluid at home. The device is available at pharmacies. Signs and tests: The doctor will ask questions about whether your child (or you) have had ear infections in the past and will want you to describe the current symptoms, including whether your child has had any symptoms of a cold or allergies recently. Your doctor will examine your child's throat, sinuses, head, neck, and lungs. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>