Middle ear infection - Children

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 18–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

It’s an infection in the ear, behind the ear drum. It often causes ear pain, and sometimes fever. They are more common in children, especially after a cold.

What you can do at home

What to do

advice.
If you are in pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), if there are no contraindications. Ask for advice at the pharmacy. 
Apply a warm or cold compress to the ear that hurts (use a small hot water bottle or a cloth).
If you have a fever, rest in a room at a comfortable temperature, drink plenty, and eat according to your appetite.
If there is any discharge, gently clean only the outside of the ear with a tissue. Throw away the tissue and then wash your hands.
- Sleep on the side of the ear that has discharge (to help it drain).
- Keep the ear dry and do not put anything (such as hearing aids, ear plugs, ear buds, cotton swabs) in the ear until it has healed.
If you have a cold, blow your nose regularly and/or rinse it with a saline solution. You can buy saline solution at the pharmacy or make your own at home:
- 240 ml (1 cup or 8 ounces) of boiled water that has cooled.
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt

Avoid

Avoid smoking or being around smoke.

When to seek medical attention

If you have any of these signs:

tu nYou can no longer hear, despite following the recommendations and prescribed treatment;
2 to 3 days after starting antibiotics, your ear is still painful, you have a fever, and/or there is still discharge from the ears.
Your ear is very painful and it is not improving.

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.

When to go to the hospital right away

You suddenly feel that:  

It’s harder than usual to stay awake or you respond less to what is going on around you; 
you are agitated or confused; 
you are eating less, drinking less, and having a hard time accomplishing your normal daily tasks;

Your ear is very painful and it is not improving.

You have a fever, a headache, a sore neck, and you are vomiting.

The ear appears swollen, red, or hot.

You have weakness or tingling in your face, even if it clears up.

You can no longer move because everything is spinning around you.

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time. 

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment. 

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC. 

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.

Middle ear infection - Children

What it is

What you can do at home

When to seek medical attention

When to go to the hospital right away

Need help?

See also

Gastroenteritis

Superficial wound