A 57-year-old female asked:
How does one tell if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bryan Leveyanswered
Pediatrics 29 years experience
Sometimes difficult: Your doctor has to gauge according to the history you provide, what the ear drum looks like, and whether the eardrum moves or not. If there's no fever, mild or no pain, the ear drum moves, and the patient has cold symptoms it's usually viral and antibiotics are inappropriate. If there's fever, pain, lack of movement of a very red eardrum, it's likely bacterial.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 26, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.