Take note of visible symptoms related to the ear. The most common symptoms of OM and OME include ear pain or ear tugging (if the child can't yet verbalize pain), fussiness, fever, and even vomiting.[3] X Research source In addition, a child may eat or have trouble sleeping normally because lying down, chewing, and sucking can alter the pressure in the ear and cause pain.[4] X Research source Given that the age group most commonly affected from ear infections and fluid ranges from three months to two years old, parents or primary caregivers will be required to give as much information and history as possible to the doctor on their children's behalf. Thus, it's important to keep track and careful record of any noted symptoms. Be aware that OME often has no symptoms. Some people may experience a feeling of fullness in their ear or a "popping" sensation.[5] X Research source Keep track of symptoms related to the "common cold." Ear infections are considered secondary infections that follow the "common cold," or the primary infection. You should expect to see a few days of nasal discharge or congestion, cough, sore throat, and a low fever, all typical symptoms that accompany colds. Most

colds are due to viral infections and, given that there is no treatment for viral infections, there is usually no reason to seek medical attention. Only seek medical attention if the fever cannot be controlled through appropriate doses of Tylenol or Motrin (and reaches temperatures higher than 102°F or 38.9°C). Keep track of all symptoms of the cold, as your doctor will want to know about the primary infection. The cold should last for a week. If you don't see improvement after a week, visit your doctor. Look for signs of hearing problems. OM and OME can block sounds, which can lead to hearing issues. Signs that proper hearing may be impacted include:[7] X Research source Failure to respond to soft sounds or other noises The need to turn up the TV or radio to a louder volume Talking in an unusually loud voice General inattentiveness Understand the potential complications. Most ear infections don't cause long-term complications and often go away on their own within 2-3 days. However, frequent infections or fluid build-up post-infection can result in some serious complications, including:[8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading

hospitals Go to source Impaired hearing — Although slight difficulties in hearing are common with ear infections, more severe hearing loss can be a result of ear persistent infections or fluid, which can in some cases cause damage to the eardrum and middle ear.[9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Speech or developmental delays — In young children, hearing loss could result in developmental delays in speech, particularly if they are not yet verbal. Spread of infection — Infections that remain untreated or that do not respond to treatment can spread to other tissues and should be addressed immediately. Mastoiditis is one possible infection that can result in the bony protrusion behind the ear. Not only can this bone become damaged but pus-filled cysts can also develop. In a few rare cases, severe middle ear infections can spread into the skull and affect the brain.[10] X Research source Tearing of the eardrum — Infections can sometimes result in a tearing or rupturing of the eardrum.[11] X Research source Most tears usually heal within three or so days, but in a few exceptional incidences, surgery may

be required.[12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Make an appointment with your doctor. If you suspect an ear infection or OME may be at work, see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.[13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The physician will examine the ear using an otoscope, a small instrument that looks like a flashlight. This helps the doctor see into the eardrum. Usually this is the only instrument they need to determine a diagnosis.[14] X Research source Be prepared to answer questions about the onset and nature of the symptoms. If it is your child who is affected, you will need to answer on his behalf. You may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders (otolaryngologist) if the problem is persistent, frequent or unresponsive to treatment.[15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Drink plenty of fluids to promote thinner mucus. Sip on water throughout the day and make sure to include some warm beverages, such as tea, broth, or warm water

with lemon. Staying hydrated is always important and it may also help to thin out mucus causing a buildup of fluid in your ears.[16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages while you have a buildup of fluid in your ears as this will dehydrate you. Take a mucus-thinning medication such as guaifenesin. This medication can help the fluid in your ears to drain by thinning out the mucus in your body. Look for a product that contains guaifenesin only and take the medication according to the manufacturer’s directions.[17] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source This medication comes in different versions including tablets that you take every 4 hours and extended-release tablets that you take every 12 hours. Guiafenesin is often combined with other medications, such as cough suppressants, antihistamines, and decongestants, so check the ingredients carefully before buying. Use a nasal steroid spray to promote fluid drainage. It’s important to manage any underlying allergies to keep

fluid out of your ears. Prescription nasal steroid sprays may help to open up the Eustachian tubes and promote ear fluid drainage.[18] X Research source It works by reducing inflammation in the nose, which in turn helps the Eustachian tube to clear out. Note, however, that it takes a few days for the steroid to build up to its full effect; this means that you will not experience immediate relief.[19] X Research source Try an over-the-counter decongestant medication to help drain fluid. You can get these in the form of nasal sprays or as oral medication and they can be purchased at most pharmacies. Be sure to follow any instructions on the label.[20] X Research source [21] X Research source Nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days at a time. Longer term use has been linked to "rebound" swelling of the nasal passages. While the "rebound" swelling is less common with oral decongestants, some people experience palpitations or a rise in blood pressure.[22] X Research source Children may experience other side effects, such as hyperactivity, restlessness, and insomnia. Avoid nasal sprays containing zinc. These have been linked to permanent loss of the sense of

smell (rare).[23] X Research source [24] X Research source Consult your doctor before using any nasal decongestant spray or oral decongestants. Take antihistamine tablets if your doctor recommends it. Some people find antihistamines useful, particularly in longer-lasting occurrences of sinus infections, because they can ease nasal congestion.[25] X Research source However, antihistamines can have serious side effects for the sinuses, including the drying up of the mucous membranes of the nasal tissue and thickening the secretions. Consult your doctor to see if antihistamines may be helpful in your situation.[26] X Research source Antihistamines are not recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated sinusitis or ear infections.[27] X Research source Other side effects include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision or, in some children, moodiness and overstimulation. Do a steam treatment to open blocked Eustachian tubes. A home steam treatment can help to open the Eustachian tubes and release the fluid. Fill a large bowl with boiling water; you can also add anti-inflammatory herbs to the water, such as chamomile or tea tree oil. Cover your head with a towel and hold your ear over the

steam bath. Try not to crane your neck, and only stay under the towel for 10-15 minutes.[28] X Research source You can also try taking a hot shower and seeing if the steam helps loosen and drain the ear fluid. Do not try this with children, as they are not as tolerant of extreme temperature changes. Use a blow dryer on a low setting to dry out ear fluid. Though this technique is highly debated, controversial, and scientifically unsupported, some people have had anecdotal success with it. In essence, you run your hair dryer on the lowest heat and blow setting available as you hold the mouth of the dryer 1 ft (0.30 m) or so away from your ear. The idea is that the warm and dry air will turn the fluid in your ear to steam and help draw it out.[29] X Research source Take caution not to burn your ear or the side of your face. If you feel any pain or overly hot, stop using the dryer. Add moisture to the air with a humidifier. To help clear out your ear when you have an infection and improve the health of your sinuses, place a humidifier in your bedroom on a side table so it’s close to your affected ear. This will encourage the production of steam and help ease and alleviate the buildup

of fluid in your ear. Humidifiers are good during the wintertime because the air in most homes is very dry due to central heating.[30] X Research source [31] X Research source Even placing a hot water bottle near the ear may have a similar effect and help to draw out ear fluid. For children, a cool mist humidifier is recommended — it decreases the risk of getting burned or injured. Be aware that there is no single best approach for treatment. When deciding on a course of treatment your doctor will consider a number of factors, including age, the type, severity, and duration of the infection, the frequency of ear infections in the medical history, and whether the infection has resulted in hearing impairment.[33] X Research source [34] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Follow the "wait-and-see" approach. Most of the time, the human immune system can fight off and heal ear infections with a bit of time (usually two to three days).[35] X Research source The fact that most ear infections can actually clear up on their own has led a number of physician associations to support the "wait-and-see" approach, which

essentially means administering pain relief but not treating the infection with antibiotics.[36] X Research source The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the "wait-and-see" approach for children from six months old to two years old who experience ear pain in one ear and for children over two years who have pain in one or both ears for less than two days and have a temperature of less than 102.2°F (39°C).[37] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Many doctors support this approach because of the limitations of antibiotics, including the fact that they are often overused and have lead to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In addition, antibiotics can't treat an infection caused by a virus.[38] X Research source Take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them. If the infection does not go away on its own, your doctor will likely prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics, which can treat the infection and potentially shorten some symptoms. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Amoxicillin as well as Zithromax (the latter case if you are allergic

to penicillin). Antibiotics are often prescribed for individuals who suffer from frequent infections or for those with severe and extremely painful infections.[39] X Research source [40] X Research source In most cases, the antibiotics clear any fluid in the ear. For children ages six and up who have a mild to moderate infection as determined by the doctor's assessment, a shorter course of antibiotic treatment (five to seven days instead of 10) may be prescribed.[41] X Research source Even if symptoms improve partway through the course of antibiotic treatment, make sure to finish the full prescription. If you are prescribed enough for 10 days, take the antibiotics for 10 days. However, you should notice improvement within 48 hours. A persistent high fever (of over 100°F or 37.8°C) suggests resistance to that particular antibiotic and you may need to acquire a different prescription. Undergo a myringotomy if your doctor recommends it. Ear surgery may be an option in cases of prolonged ear fluid (when fluid exists for more than three months after an infection has cleared up or in the absence of any infection), recurrent OME (three episodes in six months or four episodes in a year

with at least one occurring in the past six months), or frequent ear infections that don't clear up through antibiotics. The surgery, called a myringotomy, involves draining the fluid from the middle ear and inserting a ventilation tube. Usually, you will need to be referred to an ENT to determine whether this surgery is appropriate.[43] X Research source [44] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source In this outpatient surgery, an ENT specialist will surgically place the tympanostomy tube into the eardrum through a small incision. The process should help ventilate the ear, prevent the buildup of more fluid, and allow existing fluid to drain completely from the middle ear. [45] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Some tubes are intended to stay in place for six months to two years and then fall out on their own.[46] X Research source Other tubes are designed to stay in longer and may need to be surgically removed.[47] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The eardrum usually

closes up again after the tube falls out or is removed.[48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Discuss having an adenoidectomy with your doctor. In this surgery, the small glands in the throat at the back of the nose (the adenoids). This is sometimes an option in cases of recurrent or persistent problems with the ears. The Eustachian tube runs from the ear to the back of the throat and is met by the adenoids. When inflamed or swollen (due to a cold or sore throat) the adenoids can press on the entrance of the Eustachian tubes. Moreover, bacteria on the adenoids can sometimes spread up into the tubes, causing infection. In these cases, problems and blockages in the Eustachian tubes lead to ear infections and fluid buildup. In this surgery, more common in children whose adenoids are larger and thus more likely to cause problems, an ENT specialist removes the adenoids through the mouth while the patient is under anesthetic. In some hospitals, the adenoidectomy is done as a day surgery, meaning that you can go home the say day. In other cases, surgeons like to keep the patient in hospital overnight for

supervision. Use a warm compress to soothe ear pain. Place a warm, moist washcloth over the affected ear to lessen the pain and throbbing ache. You can use any warm compress, such as a hot towel wrung out in warm-to-hot water, against the ear for immediate relief.[49] X Research source Make sure that the water isn't too hot, especially when using this method on children. Take an over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor may recommend the use of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil) to relieve pain and ease any discomfort.[50] X Research source Be sure to follow the dosage specified on the label. Administer ear drops to relieve ear pain. Your doctor may prescribe ear drops, such as antipyrine-benzocaine-glycerin (Aurodex) to relieve pain as long as the eardrum remains intact and not torn or ruptured.[53] X Research source To administer drops to a child, warm the bottle by placing it in warm water. This will make the drops less of a shock to the ear since they won't be freezing cold. Have your child lie down on a flat surface with the infected ear facing you. Administer the drops as directed on the label. Follow the recommended dosage and do not

use more. Follow the same procedure if you are administering drops to another adult or yourself.[54] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source