Middle Ear Infections

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)

Otitis media is an infection of your middle ear.  Middle ear infections can occur at any age but commonly affect infants aged 6 to 18 months.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to ear infections because their middle ear is smaller and narrower than adults’, making it easier for the infection to take hold.

If your child has an ear infection, you may notice fluid coming from the ear. If you or your child is in a lot of pain and the symptoms do not clear up, you should seek medical advice.

Treating Ear Infections at IPSA

At IPSA, you will be seen by a doctor with strong background in emergency medicine. Our resident doctor has experience in paediatric A & E and we routinely assess and examine children of all ages.

We will see you and your child will in a clean, quiet environment and we offer immediate appointments at a time to suit you.

Whether you or your child has otitis media or there is another cause for their distress, the doctors at IPSA will always take your symptoms seriously.

We will give you a full examination to exclude any serious causes for your symptoms.

The treatment we offer will depend on your symptoms and what has caused them. We may offer you antibiotics, anti-mucus mediation, analgesia, immunity boosters, steroids or a variety of inhalers if our doctors feel this is necessary. If we offer you an inhaler, we will show you exactly how and when to use it during the consultation.

We will teach you to recognise signs of deterioration in your child and if any further worries or questions arise when you go home with your treatment, our doctors will be on hand to advise you by phone.

Ear Infections in Children

Children can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of an ear infection due to certain medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease. If this is the case, contact IPSA for an immediate appointment.

Complications of otitis media are rare but they can be troublesome. Complications could lead to mastoiditis, which is when the infection spreads into the bones underneath the ear called the mastoids.

In rare cases, the infection could lead to meningitis. This happens when the infection spreads into the protective membranes called the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

If can often be difficult to tell when something is wrong with young children. If you suspect that your child has an ear infection, look out for the following:

• A high temperature (38°c or above)
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Irritability
• Poor feeding
• Pulling, tugging, or rubbing their ear
• Restlessness at night
• Unresponsiveness to quiet sounds
• Loss of balance

Ear infections will often clear up by themselves within a couple of days. You can give your child Paracetamol or ibuprofen that are appropriate for the child’s age to relieve pain and high temperature.

It can also help to relieve the pain if you place a warm flannel or cloth over the affected ear.

If the symptoms do not clear up or you have any concerns about your child, contact IPSA immediately.

We aim to give you complete peace of mind and full accessibility to our doctor if you need the service following your consultation.

Contact IPSA medical today for an appointment with one of our experienced doctors. Or book a same-day appointment online.