What is Otitis Media in Children

Otitis media means that the middle ear is red and swollen (inflamed) and full of fluid. The condition usually goes away on its own. In some cases, treatment may be needed.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic medicine, give it to your child as told by the doctor. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Make sure your child gets all recommended shots (vaccinations). This includes the pneumonia shot and the flu shot.
• If your child is younger than 6 months, feed your baby with breast milk only (exclusive breastfeeding), if possible. Continue with exclusive breastfeeding until your baby is at least 6 months old.
• Keep your child away from tobacco smoke.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your child’s hearing gets worse.
• Your child does not get better after 2–3 days.

Get help right away if:

• Your child who is younger than 3 months has a fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
• Your child has a headache.
• Your child has neck pain.
• Your child’s neck is stiff.
• Your child has very little energy.
• Your child has a lot of watery poop (diarrhea).
• You child throws up (vomits) a lot.
• The area behind your child’s ear is sore.
• The muscles of your child’s face are not moving (paralyzed).

Summary

• Otitis media means that the middle ear is red, swollen, and full of fluid.
• This condition usually goes away on its own. Some cases may require treatment.