children s health issues
Acute Middle Ear Infection in Children
Symptoms
Infants with acute middle ear infections have a fever and trouble sleeping. They cry or become irritable for no apparent reason. They may also have a runny nose, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. The ear is painful (see Earache ), and hearing may be decreased. Infants and children who cannot communicate verbally may pull at their ears. Older children are usually able to tell parents that their ear hurts or that they cannot hear well. Commonly, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum and remains after the acute infection has resolved. This disorder is called Secretory Otitis Media in Children . Rarely, an acute middle ear infection leads to more serious complications. The eardrum may rupture, causing blood or fluid to drain from the ear (see Ear Discharge ). Also, nearby structures may become infected, cause symptoms, and require emergency treatment: Infection of the bone surrounding the ear ( Mastoiditis ) causes pain. Infection of the inner ear ( Purulent Labyrinthitis ) causes Infection of the tissues surrounding the brain ( Introduction to Meningitis ) or If infections come back, abnormal skinlike tissue called a Complications may grow in the middle ear and potentially through the eardrum. A cholesteatoma can damage the bones of the middle ear and cause hearing loss. 