Ear Infection: Pain in Children and Adults, Care

Earache is a very common and distressing problem, especially in young children who may simply cry, tug at the ear and sleep poorly. Most ear infections in Bangladesh follow a cold or come from water and poking inside the ear, and many improve with simple care. However, a discharging or repeatedly infected ear should never be ignored, because the ear is delicate and hearing matters for a child's learning. This article is general health information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor.

What is an ear infection?

There are two common types. A middle ear infection sits behind the eardrum and often follows a cold, when fluid and germs build up in the space, causing pain and sometimes a burst eardrum with discharge. An outer ear infection affects the ear canal itself, often after swimming, bathing or scratching inside the ear, and makes the canal red, swollen and tender. Children get middle ear infections more easily because the small tube that drains the ear is short and easily blocked.

What are the symptoms?

• Ear pain, which may be sharp, throbbing or worse when lying down.
• In babies and toddlers: crying, pulling or rubbing the ear, fever, poor feeding and disturbed sleep.
• Reduced hearing or a blocked, full feeling in the ear.
• Fluid or pus draining from the ear, sometimes with relief of pain.
• For outer ear infection: pain when the ear is touched or pulled, and itching in the canal.

What causes ear infections and triggers them?

Middle ear infections usually start with a cold, flu or nasal allergy that blocks the drainage tube. Frequent colds, exposure to cigarette and cooking smoke, and bottle-feeding while lying flat all raise the risk in children. Outer ear infections are often triggered by water staying in the canal after swimming or bathing, and by scratching or cleaning the ear with cotton buds, earpicks, keys or matchsticks, which damage the delicate skin and push wax deeper.

How can you care for it at home?

Many mild ear infections improve with supportive care while healing.

• Give a simple painkiller such as paracetamol for pain and fever; you can check it in our medicine directory.
• Apply a warm (not hot) compress over the ear for comfort.
• Keep the ear dry; avoid getting water inside while bathing or swimming.
• Do not put oil, garlic, breast milk or any drops into the ear without a doctor's advice, especially if it is discharging.
• Treat a blocked nose and allergy, as this helps the middle ear drain.

Why is poking the ear dangerous?

It is very important never to poke inside the ear with cotton buds, earpicks, fingers or sharp objects, however tempting it feels. The ear canal cleans itself, and poking pushes wax deeper, scratches the skin and can tear the eardrum, leading to infection, bleeding and even hearing loss. A discharging ear should be kept clean and dry on the outside only and shown to a doctor, not cleaned out at home. If you receive a prescription, our free prescription tool can keep the instructions clear.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if ear pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, comes with a high fever, or if there is discharge from the ear, and especially for a baby under six months or repeated ear infections, so hearing and the eardrum can be checked. Seek urgent care for warning signs: swelling, redness or pain over the bone behind the ear, severe headache, stiff neck, facial weakness, dizziness, or a very drowsy unwell child. These rare signs can mean the infection is spreading. You can see a relevant specialist such as an ENT doctor, and read more health tips on colds and child health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to clean my ears with cotton buds?

No. The ear cleans itself, and cotton buds, earpicks or other objects push wax deeper, scratch the canal and can damage the eardrum. Clean only the outer ear with a cloth, and see a doctor if wax is causing blockage or pain rather than digging it out at home.

My child's ear is discharging fluid — what should I do?

Discharge often means the eardrum has a small perforation from infection. Keep the outer ear clean and dry, do not put anything inside, and see a doctor promptly, as the right treatment helps it heal and protects hearing. Avoid getting water in the ear until it is reviewed.

Do all ear infections need antibiotics?

No. Many mild middle ear infections, especially in older children, improve on their own with pain relief over a couple of days. A doctor decides if antibiotics are needed based on age, severity and whether there is discharge, so they should not be bought and started on your own.

Can swimming or bathing cause ear infections?

Yes, water staying in the ear canal can lead to an outer ear infection, sometimes called swimmer's ear. Gently drying the outer ear after bathing or swimming and avoiding poking the canal both help prevent it, especially in those who get it often.

This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.