What are Ear Infections?
An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear.
The middle ear is the space between the eardrum and the inner ear, which is usually filled with air. An ear infection occurs if it gets filled with fluid or mucus, which then gets infected with bacteria.
An acute ear infection is a short-term ear infection that comes on suddenly. A chronic ear infection lasts for a long time or keeps coming back.
How common are Ear Infections?
Ear infections are most common in young children. 75% of cases occur in children under 10 years old.
What are the symptoms of Ear Infections?
The symptoms of an acute ear infection include severe earache, a high temperature, flu-like symptoms and slight deafness. In rare cases of acute ear infection the eardrum will become perforated and pus may run out of the ear.
Chronic ear infection usually has fewer symptoms, but they last for longer and keep coming back. There is more likely to be pus or fluid coming out of the ear with chronic ear infections.
How are Ear Infections treated?
The majority of acute ear infections clear up within a few days without treatment. Perforated eardrums also often heal without treatment.
If treatment is needed it may include antibiotics, painkillers and antihistamines, tympanostomy tubes and surgical procedures.
If you have not received treatment or advice, or suffered any symptoms in the past five years choose a moratorium product.