10 Signs of Ear Infection

The most noticeable sign of an impending ear infection is pain and discomfort caused by the irritation and swelling of the ear. As swelling increases, you may experience different degrees of pain. You can also experience different sensations, including pressure and itchiness. Chewing or moving your jaw can cause pain that radiates to other parts of the head. Pain can be worse at night, and moving can also aggravate symptoms. In the short-term, over-the-counter pain medication may help ease the pain.

It's no surprise that the constant, nagging pain caused by an ear infection can limit your ability to sleep. To make matters worse, ear infections can cause a ringing sensation in the ear, further impeding a good night's sleep.

Symptoms can also worsen when lying down, making it particularly difficult to get through the night. If you experience other symptoms at night, including fever and restlessness, you may have an ear infection.

Another important symptom that is closely associated with an ear infection is swelling of the ear. Swelling is caused by pressure buildup in the ear, which produces discomfort in and around the ear.

As swelling increases, you may perceive a hot sensation around the ear; this may also indicate that you are suffering from an ear infection. The heat and inflammation can also cause visible redness around the outer ear. Don't attempt to wash the inside of the ear, as this may further exacerbate symptoms.

As mentioned previously, one of the most common symptoms of an ear infection is ear irritation. The buildup of bacteria in the ear can cause the skin to become red and highly sensitive. You may feel a sudden urge to scratch the ear, but avoid inserting fingers or objects into the ear canal, as this can cause bleeding and worsen the infection. Swelling of the ear canal can also cause a feeling of fullness, which may tempt you to scratch. Resist the urge.

It is not unusual to experience a fever during an ear infection. Ear infections can be caused by either bacteria or viruses, and the immune system's response to either can trigger a fever.

Fever is the body raising its temperature to create a less hospitable environment for infection. For infants under three months, any fever of 100.4°F or higher warrants immediate medical attention.

For older children and adults, a fever above 103°F is generally the threshold for concern, though any fever accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or severe pain should be evaluated by a doctor regardless of temperature. The best way to treat a low fever is to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Dizziness is a common symptom reported by people who develop an ear infection. It can occur because the inner ear contains the vestibular system, which controls the body's sense of balance. If the ear becomes inflamed or highly irritated, it may affect your body's ability to maintain balance.

Moreover, you may experience disorientation or confusion as a result. Left untreated, the swelling can affect your hearing. Early treatment makes a real difference.

Headaches are a common symptom of ear infections. Headaches can develop when the ears become swollen, creating a throbbing sensation that may be felt in different parts of the head.

Throbbing may also be felt inside the ear canal, which can cause pain. As fluid and pressure build up, the discomfort can sometimes spread to the neck. Severe neck stiffness alongside a high fever is worth getting checked out.

As an ear infection progresses, you may notice a yellowish or beige discharge coming from the ear. Unlike earwax, which is dry and crumbly, discharge is runnier and may contain small specks of blood. A noticeable odor can also accompany it. Gently wipe any discharge from the outer ear — don't insert anything into the ear canal.

When your body is fighting an infection, appetite often takes a back seat. The pain and irritation of an ear infection can make eating unappealing, and a fever, if one develops, tends to suppress hunger further.

Staying well hydrated is more important than eating during this period, so keep fluids up even if food doesn't appeal.

Ear infection symptoms can look a lot like the flu. Both conditions share headaches, pain, and swelling, which makes them easy to confuse. An ear infection can also cause a runny nose and sinus congestion, which adds to the resemblance. Rest and staying hydrated help the body manage symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause — viral infections resolve on their own, while bacterial infections may require antibiotics. Your doctor can determine which applies and advise accordingly.