ear, nose, and throat disorders
Otitis Media (Acute)
Symptoms of Acute Otitis Media
In people with acute otitis media, the infected ear is painful (see Earache ), with a red, bulging eardrum. Many people have hearing loss. Infants may simply be cranky or have difficulty sleeping. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea often occur in young children. The bulging eardrum sometimes ruptures, causing pus to drain from the ear, sometimes with relief of ear pain. If the infection spreads, people may have a severe headache, confusion, or impaired brain function. 