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The two common types of ear infections are otitis media (middle ear infection) and otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). Most ear infections of young children occur in the middle ear (otitis media).
Symptoms
Pain inside the ear or when moving the earlobe. Fussiness, irritability, crying, poor feeding, ear drainage, difficulty hearing, and fever. Children may pull on the affected ear.
Symptoms
Pain inside the ear or when moving the earlobe. Fussiness, irritability, crying, poor feeding, ear drainage, difficulty hearing, and fever. Children may pull on the affected ear.
Spread
Middle ear infections are complications of respiratory infections. The bacteria or virus that led to the middle ear infection may be contagious, but no more worrisome than other germs that cause the common cold.
Spread
Middle ear infections are complications of respiratory infections. The bacteria or virus that led to the middle ear infection may be contagious, but no more worrisome than other germs that cause the common cold.
Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection of the skin in the ear canal. Drainage from ear infections can contain bacteria and should be treated as wound drainage.
Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection of the skin in the ear canal. Drainage from ear infections can contain bacteria and should be treated as wound drainage.
Contagious Period
Most ear infections are not contagious. However, drainage for ear infections can contain bacteria and should be treated as infectious.
Contagious Period
Most ear infections are not contagious. However, drainage for ear infections can contain bacteria and should be treated as infectious.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: No exclusion unless the child is unable to participate and staff members determine they cannot care for a child without compromising their ability to care for the health and safety of the other children in the group.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: No exclusion unless the child is unable to participate and staff members determine they cannot care for a child without compromising their ability to care for the health and safety of the other children in the group.
Causes
Otitis media: Occurs when mucus-containing bacteria collects in the middle ear space. Ear infections can be very painful. In older children, most ear infections resolve by themselves in a day or two. In children younger than 24 months, ear infections can last longer and may require antibiotics. Ear infections may be caused by viral upper respiratory infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (such as cigarette smoke).
Causes
Otitis media: Occurs when mucus-containing bacteria collects in the middle ear space. Ear infections can be very painful. In older children, most ear infections resolve by themselves in a day or two. In children younger than 24 months, ear infections can last longer and may require antibiotics. Ear infections may be caused by viral upper respiratory infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (such as cigarette smoke).
Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear): Moisture and bacteria from water in pools, lakes, or streams promotes infection in the skin of the ear canal. This produces painful swelling and pus may collect in the ear canal.
Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear): Moisture and bacteria from water in pools, lakes, or streams promotes infection in the skin of the ear canal. This produces painful swelling and pus may collect in the ear canal.
Incubation
Otitis media: Depends on the bacteria or virus that causes the fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Incubation
Otitis media: Depends on the bacteria or virus that causes the fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Otitis externa: Signs and symptoms usually appear within a day or so after swimming.
Otitis externa: Signs and symptoms usually appear within a day or so after swimming.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke and do not expose children to secondhand smoke.
Stay up to date on recommended immunizations.
Breastfeed children for 12 months or more if possible.
Dry your ears after swimming
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Ear Infection.pdf
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