AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how do you get an ear infection
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 55M : 23S
background image
Click Here
background image
Pediatric Medicine
Question #25585
45 days ago
80

how do you get an ear infection - #25585

Zoya

I am really worried because my son just got diagnosed with an ear infection, and honestly, I’m shocked! He’s only 5, and he complains about his ear hurting for a few days now. At first, I thought maybe it was just a cold or something, but then yesterday he had this awful crying fit, and I knew it was more serious. Took him to the pediatrician, and they said it’s a pretty classic ear infection. But here’s the thing — how do you get an ear infection anyway? Like, what causes this?? I know he had a runny nose and a sore throat earlier in the week, but I’m not exactly sure if that played into this. Also, some kids at school have been sick too, so now I'm freaking out thinking, could he have caught it from them? And does he need stronger meds? I mean, he’s already on antibiotics, but should I be concerned if nothing seems to change? How long do these things last usually? I'm trying to read up on it but honestly, the info is so confusing. How do you get an ear infection, and what can I do to prevent it from coming back? Thanks in advance!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Ear infections are quite common in children, particularly those under the age of 5, and there are several factors that might contribute to your son developing one. Typically, they occur when bacteria or viruses from a cold or upper respiratory infection make their way into the middle ear. The ear’s Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, can become inflamed or congested with mucus due to the cold. This blocks drainage and creates an environment where germs can multiply and cause an infection. So, yes, the runny nose and sore throat your son had earlier likely played a role in this. It’s also possible he could have been influenced by an exposure to germs at school, as these infections often spread in environments where kids are in close contact.

As for antibiotics, they are often prescribed to treat bacterial ear infections, which means they fight bacteria rather than viruses. If your son’s symptoms don’t improve or worsen, follow up with your doctor, as sometimes a different antibiotic or additional treatment might be necessary. Typically, symptoms should improve within a few days of starting treatment, but it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if he starts feeling better sooner to ensure all the bacteria are eliminated. Ear infections usually resolve within one to two weeks.

To help prevent future ear infections, encourage good hygiene practices, like regular hand washing, to reduce the spread of germs. Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, especially the flu vaccine, which helps reduce the frequency of colds and flu-like illnesses that can lead to ear infections. Also, avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, which can increase ear infection risks. Lastly, ensure he eats a healthy diet with plenty of fluids to maintain a strong immune system. If he continues to have frequent ear infections, discuss with his pediatrician, as further evaluation or treatment considerations may be necessary. Keep monitoring his symptoms and maintain regular checkups to keep track of any potential recurring issues.

18992 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Home remedies for loose motion in kids
why loose motion happen
tomato fever food list
definition of pneumonia in child
ors good for loose motion
how to stop loose motion for 2 year baby
Can viral fever last for 5 days?
bacho ke pet me infection ke gharelu upay
Why is my 6 month old poop green? And what remedy can I do
tomato flu caused by
virus that causes fever for 5 days
viral fever in children
how long does viral fever last in 6 year old
dose of aceclofenac in child
how long does otitis media last
symptoms of pneumonia in baby
home remedy for loose motion and vomiting
what causes common cold
loose motion medication
pneumonia in baby
asthma in toddlers
chicken pox in gujarati
why does cold happen
tomato fever symptoms in babies
loose motion home remedies for 3 year old baby
Understanding My Child's Blood Test Results and Ongoing Fever
how to treat otitis media
viral fever means
signs of pneumonia in babies
tomato fever symptoms
how many days fever last
pneumonia in babies
viral fever can last for how many days
bacho me pneumonia ke lakshan
what does tonsillitis look like
How to reduce cough during sleep
How to to reduce leg shivering problem
what kills a sore throat fast overnight
can cold cause loose motion
6.5 year old has fever for two days with no symptom
how to get rid of stomach worms home remedies
My cough makes my head hurt like it’s pressure
viral fever for how many days
duration of fever
Sleep cycle of infant of 2 months
Tomato flu medicine
Questions about Newborn Fracture Recovery
best syrup for loose motion
Tomato flu medicine
how to relieve constipation in babies quickly
what to do for loose motion at home
pneumonia in toddlers when to go to hospital
what is the viral fever
kids asthma symptoms
fever how many days
first aid for diarrhoea
benefits of ors
symptoms of tomato flu
which solution is given when a person has vomiting and loose motions
ors liquid benefits
preventive eye drops for conjunctivitis
how many days does fever last
childhood asthma symptoms
how many days it takes for viral fever to go
vomiting and loose motion medicine
tiny tots clinic
potty loose motion
medicine for gastroenteritis
fever viral infection
pneumonia in baby symptoms
asthma in kids diagnostic
is ors good for health
viral fever treatment medicine
child early 7 warning signs of dengue fever
medication for viral fever
eyes flu ke lakshan
ragi for kids
how to use ors powder
Tomato flu virus symptoms
instant relief from vomiting
Tomato fever symptoms in tamil
what is the best antibiotic for gastroenteritis?
Seeking Pediatric Orthopedic Opinion for My Baby's Arm Fracture
can we wash eyes in eye flu
teenage height growth tips
is mosambi good for cough
baby spitting up curdled milk
tomato fever in babies
How to relieve phlegm in my baby who has a persistent cough and cold?
how long viral fever lasts
loose motion gharelu upchar
Posterior closes time and head circumference
paracetamol dolo
My baby isn't gaining weight don't know why,am giving him formula bcoz my breast doesn't produce milk why?
what is symptoms of viral fever
liquid medicine for loose motion
precautions in summer season
ors advantages
bache ko nimoniya ke lakshan
anar in loose motion