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Ear infection
Middle ear infection

Middle ear infection

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A bacterial infection behind the ear drum, often occuring after an upper respiratory infection causes a build up of fluid. Usually gets better on its own, but if there is severe pain, fever, or bulging of the ear drum, may require antibiotics.

Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge reviewed this

39 year experience in Internal Medicine

Is a type of:

Ear infection

How long it usually lasts:

Short-term (lasts days to weeks)

How common it is:

Common
Baby
0-2
Very common
Preteen
6-13
Very common
Teenager
14-18
Very common
Young adult
19-40
Common
Middle-aged adult
41-60
Common

Body locations

Ear

Symptoms

Ringing in ears
Spinning sensation
Ear ache
Fever
Trouble sleeping
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Middle ear infection
Amoxicillin and clavulanate
4.2
100 reviews
Ceftriaxone
3.8
73 reviews
Amoxicillin
3.8
85 reviews
Cefdinir
3.7
63 reviews
Cefuroxime axetil
3.7
6 reviews
Load more

Procedures

Ratings show how effective doctors think these procedures are at treating Middle ear infection

Surgery

Myringotomy
3.6
61 reviews

Medical devices

Ear tubes

Tests

Aerobic and anaerobic culture
Acoustic reflectometry

Risk factors

Personal

Cigarette smoke exposure
Recent cough or cold
Recent sore throat
Recent dental procedure

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