Common symptoms of ear infections in children include ear pain (especially when lying down), tugging or pulling at an ear, trouble sleeping, increased fussiness, trouble hearing or responding to sounds, loss of balance, fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher, drainage of fluid from the ear, headache, and loss of appetite.

Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses and often result from another illness such as a cold, flu, or allergy. These conditions can cause congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat, and eustachian tubes, leading to fluid build-up in the middle ear that can become infected.

Treatment for ear infections may vary depending on the cause. Many ear infections clear up on their own, and treatment often begins with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Antibiotics may be used for bacterial infections. Pain relief can be provided through medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

You should see a doctor if your child's symptoms last for more than a day, if symptoms are present in a child less than 6 months of age, if ear pain is severe, if your child is sleepless or irritable after a cold, or if there is a discharge of fluid, pus, or bloody fluid from the ear.

Most ear infections don't cause long-term complications, but repeated infections can lead to hearing problems and other serious issues. Complications can include impaired hearing, speech or developmental delays, spread of infection to nearby tissues, and tearing of the eardrum. Prompt evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of these complications.

Each year in the U.S. there are 30 million visits for suspected ear infections, and only 8.7 million ear infections actually diagnosed. This means that 71% of the time when a parent thinks their child has an ear infection, they actually don’t!