Why does middle ear infection cause fever?

Fever is part of a whole-body immune response. Chemicals released during infection act on the brain's temperature-control centre, leading to a raised temperature, chills, sweating, and tiredness. In a middle ear infection, fever may occur alongside ear pain, irritability, reduced appetite, or disturbed sleep.

Fever is a common presentation of Middle Ear Infection. Fever can also accompany viral illnesses and infections elsewhere in the body, so it does not by itself show where an infection is located.

Offer regular drinks, light clothing, rest, and a comfortably cool room. Use fever or pain medicine only if it is suitable for the person's age and health, and follow the package instructions or advice from a pharmacist or clinician. A clinician can examine the ear and advise on further care when symptoms are troublesome or persistent.

Avoid cold baths or rubbing alcohol on the skin, which can be uncomfortable and does not treat the infection. Keep track of changes in alertness, breathing, pain, fluid intake, and urine output.

Seek urgent medical assessment for trouble breathing, a stiff neck, a severe headache, a seizure, a rash that does not fade under pressure, unusual sleepiness, confusion, signs of dehydration, or swelling and redness behind the ear. Infants and people with weakened immune systems need earlier clinical advice for fever.

Ask how long to monitor the fever, which pain or fever medicines are suitable, whether an ear examination suggests treatment, and what signs should prompt urgent reassessment.