There are a number of types of ear infection, and they can occur in adults and children, although some people are more or less likely to get some types of infection. The most common one off infections are ‘otitis media’ (an infection of the middle ear), and ‘otitis externa’ (an infection of the external ear).
Otitis media is much more common in children. It causes pain, fever, and sometimes a mucous and pus-like fluid coming out of the ear if the ear drum bursts (see perforation). Usually, no treatment beyond paracetamol or ibuprofen is needed, although if this infection goes on beyond 3 days, or happens in very young children, then antibiotics may be needed (1). Middle ear infections can be associated with glue ear. If children get lots of these infections, sometimes grommet surgery may help (2).
Otitis externa causes pain and swelling in the ear canal. Even with treatment, the ear can be painful for a week, or sometimes even more. Small amounts of liquid and other material can come out of the ear canal. Otitis externa is treated with antibiotic and steroid ear drops. It is often necessary to remove the material that builds up in the ear canal to allow the infection to get better. Fungal infections are treated similarly, but need different ear drops and can take longer to get better.
There are some conditions that can cause repeated ear infections. These include holes in the ear drum, retractions, and ‘cholesteatoma’. In these problems, there is a longstanding problem with the ear drum.