How is middle ear infection treated?

A clinician examines the eardrum and asks about pain, fever, discharge, hearing, and how long symptoms have lasted. Many uncomplicated infections improve with time and careful symptom relief. Antibiotics may be considered when illness is severe, symptoms persist or worsen, or particular risk factors make bacterial infection more concerning. Antibiotic Treatment should be taken exactly as prescribed if it is selected.

A blocked nose from a Common Cold or Allergic Rhinitis can affect pressure around the middle ear, but it does not determine the treatment by itself.

Use suitable pain relief according to the label or a clinician’s advice, encourage fluids, and rest. Do not put cotton buds, oil, or unprescribed drops into the ear. Arrange a GP Consultation if pain is significant, hearing is reduced, or symptoms are not settling. Keep the ear dry if fluid is draining until it has been assessed.

Seek prompt medical care for swelling or redness behind the ear, severe dizziness, new marked Hearing Loss, persistent vomiting, a very unwell child, or a high Fever with worsening pain. Emergency help is appropriate for confusion, collapse, or severe headache with neck stiffness.

Ask whether the eardrum looks infected, whether antibiotics are appropriate, how to relieve pain, what hearing changes to watch for, and when a follow-up examination is needed.