Middle Ear Infection (Adult)

Home care

Here are some general care guidelines:

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

• You may use over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to control pain and fever unless something else is prescribed. Talk with your doctor before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your doctor if you've had a stomach ulcer or digestive tract bleeding or take a blood thinner.

• Don't give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as advised. If all symptoms haven't gotten better, or if your hearing doesn't go back to normal in 2 weeks, you may need further treatment.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You have a seizure. Call 911 if this is the first time you have had a seizure.

• Your ear pain gets worse or doesn't improve after 3 days of treatment.

• You have abnormal drowsiness or confusion.

• You have neck pain, a stiff neck, or headaches.

• Fluid or blood is draining from the ear canal.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised.