Understanding and Managing Minor Ear Infections

Minor ear infections are common conditions that affect the outer ear or ear canal, causing discomfort and mild symptoms.

Minor Ear Infections FAQ

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What is an outer ear infection?

The outer ear is that part of your ear that extends out from your eardrum to the ear opening. An outer ear infection is also known as otitis externa. An outer ear infection often starts as an itchy rash. The ear may become: Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Are ear infections a bacterial or viral infection?

Ear infections can be either bacterial or viral infections. They can occur in your middle ear, the part of your ear just behind your eardrum, as well as the outer and inner ear. They often clear up on their own but can be painful due to inflammation or fluid buildup. Ear infections can be chronic or acute.

What causes ear infections?

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The middle ear is the part of the ear just behind the ear drum, connected to the throat by a short tube known as the Eustachian tube. When you have a cold, the infection can spread up this tube to the middle ear.

Are ear infections common in small children?

Ear infections are very common in small children. Most infections get better quickly and are not usually serious. The two types of ear infections often seen in children are middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (otitis externa). Most ear infections involve the middle ear.

What happens if a child has an ear infection?

Your child may not want to eat or sleep, and is generally irritable. Sometimes there is a discharge (pus or blood) coming from the ear. An older child may complain of an earache, headache or deafness. A younger child may simply pull at their ear or be upset.

What causes an ear infection?

An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. The middle ear has three small bones — the hammer, or malleus; the anvil, or incus; and the stirrup, or stapes.