Ear infection (middle ear) - Symptoms causes - Mayo Clinic An ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, is an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum, known as the middle ear Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections Ear infections often clear up on their own
Ear infection (middle ear) - Diagnosis treatment - Mayo Clinic A healthcare professional can often diagnose an ear infection based on symptoms and an exam The exam likely includes looking inside the child's ears with a lighted instrument known as an otoscope If the eardrum is red and bulging, there's likely an infection
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding ear infections Ear infections often are a direct result of a common cold, allergy or other upper respiratory illness These illnesses are more common during the winter months, so ear infections also are most common during this time of the year
What Causes an Outer Ear Infection and How Is It Treated? An outer ear infection, called external otitis or otitis externa, is most often caused by a bacterial infection that invades the layer of skin lining the ear canal Prompt treatment clears up most outer ear infections
How do I prevent middle ear infections? - Mayo Clinic News Network An ear infection (acute otitis media) is most often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections
Ear infection - Mayo Clinic In an ear infection, narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked This can lead to mucus build-up in the middle ear This mucus can become infected and cause ear infection symptoms
Swimmers ear - Symptoms causes - Mayo Clinic Treating swimmer’s ear quickly can help prevent complications and more-serious infections Outer ear infection Redness of the ear canal, which can be hard to see on Black and brown skin; ear pain; draining fluids and pus coming from the ear are signs of swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa