Ear infections frequently develop during or shortly after another infection, such as a ]]>cold]]> or ]]>sore throat]]> .

The Ear

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Symptoms include:

  • Ear pain (Note: Children who can talk may tell you that their ear hurts. Babies may tug or rub at the ear or face or become irritable.)
  • Drainage from the ear (This may appear as blood, clearish fluid, pus, or as a dry crust on the outer portion of the ear after sleeping.)
  • Hearing loss, which resolves with appropriate treatment
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Decreased appetite or difficulty feeding
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Difficulty with balance, frequent falling, sensations of dizziness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or ]]>diarrhea]]>
  • Malaise (feeling of general illness)
  • Chills
  • Inattentiveness
Some children with ear infection, particularly chronic otitis, have no symptoms. Their condition may be discovered on examination for some other problem.