Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media) Ear infections (acute otitis
media) occur in the space behind the eardrum, which is called
the middle ear. Ear infections are more likely to occur after a
cold or other upper respiratory infection has been present for a
few days. During a cold, throat infection, or allergy attack,
the tube that connects the throat and the middle ear (eustachian
tube) swells and prevents air from entering the middle ear. This
can create suction, which pulls fluid into the middle ear space.
The fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear, allowing viruses or
bacteria to grow and cause infection. Ear infections are most
common in children younger than age 7. Young children have
shorter, softer, and more horizontal eustachian tubes, which are
more easily blocked than those of older children and adults.
Home treatment with a nonprescription pain medicine, such as
acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be all that is needed for ear
infection. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you
give medicin