Ear infection in Oslo
Ear infections are common and often cause ear pain, a feeling of pressure, reduced hearing and sometimes fever. Symptoms can develop quickly, particularly in connection with a cold or respiratory infection. Ear infections are most common in children, but adults can also be affected.
At Easy Clinic, a doctor can assess symptoms of an ear infection, examine the ear and provide treatment if considered necessary.
Appointment booking
At Easy Clinic, a doctor can assess symptoms of an ear infection, examine the ear and provide treatment if considered necessary.
Appointment booking
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection means that inflammation has developed in or around the ear. The most common form is a middle ear infection, where the inflammation is located behind the eardrum. This often occurs after a cold because swelling and mucus in the nose and throat can affect ventilation of the middle ear.
Ear infections may be caused by viruses or bacteria. Many cases resolve on their own, particularly in children, but some require medical assessment and treatment. Adults with an acute middle ear infection should generally be assessed carefully, and antibiotics may be more appropriate than they are for older children.
Ear pain can sometimes have causes other than a middle ear infection, such as an infection of the ear canal, earwax, fluid in the middle ear, jaw problems or irritation of the ear canal. An examination by a doctor can therefore be helpful.
Ear infections may be caused by viruses or bacteria. Many cases resolve on their own, particularly in children, but some require medical assessment and treatment. Adults with an acute middle ear infection should generally be assessed carefully, and antibiotics may be more appropriate than they are for older children.
Ear pain can sometimes have causes other than a middle ear infection, such as an infection of the ear canal, earwax, fluid in the middle ear, jaw problems or irritation of the ear canal. An examination by a doctor can therefore be helpful.
Common symptoms of an ear infection
Symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs of an ear infection include:
In young children, the symptoms may be less clear. A child may seem irritable, sleep poorly, pull at the ear, eat less or have a fever without being able to explain where it hurts.
If fluid or pus drains from the ear, the eardrum may have ruptured. This may sound alarming, but the pain can often ease when the pressure is released. It should nevertheless be assessed by a doctor.
If fluid or pus drains from the ear, the eardrum may have ruptured. This may sound alarming, but the pain can often ease when the pressure is released. It should nevertheless be assessed by a doctor.
When should you contact a doctor?
You should consider seeking medical advice if the ear pain is severe, persists, becomes worse, or if you are unsure whether the symptoms are caused by an ear infection or something else.
It is particularly important to contact a doctor if you:
It is particularly important to contact a doctor if you:
Pain, redness or swelling behind the ear may, in rare cases, be a sign of a more serious infection. You should then seek prompt medical assessment.
Examination for a suspected ear infection
When an ear infection is suspected, the doctor examines the ear using an instrument that shines a light into the ear canal. This allows the doctor to inspect the eardrum and assess whether there are signs of a middle ear infection, fluid, an infection of the ear canal or another cause of the symptoms.
The doctor assesses whether the eardrum is red, thickened or bulging, and whether there is fluid behind it. A red eardrum alone does not always indicate an acute middle ear infection, as this may also occur with fever, crying, irritation or earwax.
In some cases, it may also be appropriate to examine the throat, nose, lymph nodes or other symptoms, particularly when the ear pain occurs together with a cold or respiratory infection.
The doctor assesses whether the eardrum is red, thickened or bulging, and whether there is fluid behind it. A red eardrum alone does not always indicate an acute middle ear infection, as this may also occur with fever, crying, irritation or earwax.
In some cases, it may also be appropriate to examine the throat, nose, lymph nodes or other symptoms, particularly when the ear pain occurs together with a cold or respiratory infection.
Treatment of an ear infection
Treatment of an ear infection is assessed based on age, symptoms, findings in the ear, fever, general condition and how long the symptoms have lasted. Many cases in children resolve without antibiotics, and pain relief is often the most important measure initially.
Antibiotics are not always necessary. They do not work if the infection is caused by a virus. In some cases, antibiotics may nevertheless be appropriate, for example in young children, adults, young children with infections in both ears, people with severe symptoms or those at increased risk of complications.
When treatment is needed, it is selected based on symptoms, age, previous illnesses, allergies and national guidelines for antibiotic use.
It is important to follow the doctor’s advice. If the symptoms do not improve, become worse or return soon after treatment, you should contact a doctor again.
Antibiotics are not always necessary. They do not work if the infection is caused by a virus. In some cases, antibiotics may nevertheless be appropriate, for example in young children, adults, young children with infections in both ears, people with severe symptoms or those at increased risk of complications.
When treatment is needed, it is selected based on symptoms, age, previous illnesses, allergies and national guidelines for antibiotic use.
It is important to follow the doctor’s advice. If the symptoms do not improve, become worse or return soon after treatment, you should contact a doctor again.
What can you do yourself?
For mild symptoms, pain relief can be important. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with ear pain and fever, provided they are suitable for you and taken at the correct dose.
Resting and keeping the head slightly elevated may also help, as ear pain can often become worse when lying flat. For children, it is important to monitor fluid intake, sleep and general condition closely.
Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear. If fluid is draining from the ear or you suspect a perforated eardrum, do not use ear drops unless this has been assessed by a doctor.
Self-care may provide some relief, but the ear should be examined if symptoms are severe, prolonged or recurring.
Resting and keeping the head slightly elevated may also help, as ear pain can often become worse when lying flat. For children, it is important to monitor fluid intake, sleep and general condition closely.
Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear. If fluid is draining from the ear or you suspect a perforated eardrum, do not use ear drops unless this has been assessed by a doctor.
Self-care may provide some relief, but the ear should be examined if symptoms are severe, prolonged or recurring.
Ear infections in children
Ear infections are particularly common in children. They often occur in connection with a cold, and symptoms may develop quickly. Common signs include ear pain, fever, restlessness, crying, poor sleep and reduced appetite.
In children above a certain age, the doctor may sometimes recommend monitoring the condition, particularly if the child is not very unwell. Pain relief and observation may then be sufficient initially.
Children under 1 year old, children with severe symptoms, young children with infections in both ears and children who frequently develop ear infections should be assessed particularly carefully.
In children above a certain age, the doctor may sometimes recommend monitoring the condition, particularly if the child is not very unwell. Pain relief and observation may then be sufficient initially.
Children under 1 year old, children with severe symptoms, young children with infections in both ears and children who frequently develop ear infections should be assessed particularly carefully.
Ear infections in adults
Adults can also develop ear infections, often after a cold or respiratory infection. Ear pain and a suspected middle ear infection in adults should be assessed, particularly if the pain is severe, hearing is reduced or there is a fever.
Ear pain in adults may also have causes other than a middle ear infection, such as an infection of the ear canal, earwax, jaw-joint problems, dental problems or irritation of the ear canal. An examination is therefore important to identify the correct cause.
Ear pain in adults may also have causes other than a middle ear infection, such as an infection of the ear canal, earwax, jaw-joint problems, dental problems or irritation of the ear canal. An examination is therefore important to identify the correct cause.
Ear canal infection
Not all ear infections occur behind the eardrum. With an ear canal infection, the inflammation is located in the ear canal itself. This may cause pain, itching, tenderness when touching the ear, discharge from the ear and sometimes reduced hearing.
An ear canal infection may develop after swimming, using earplugs, irritation or small breaks in the skin of the ear canal. Treatment is often different from that of a middle ear infection, and ear drops may be appropriate if the doctor considers them suitable.
An ear canal infection may develop after swimming, using earplugs, irritation or small breaks in the skin of the ear canal. Treatment is often different from that of a middle ear infection, and ear drops may be appropriate if the doctor considers them suitable.
Fluid in the middle ear
After a cold or ear infection, some people develop fluid behind the eardrum. This may cause a blocked sensation, pressure and reduced hearing, but does not necessarily mean there is an active infection. Antibiotics are not effective for fluid in the middle ear without an infection.
In children, fluid in the middle ear may sometimes affect hearing over time. If reduced hearing persists, or if the child’s language development, hearing or wellbeing appears affected, further assessment may be needed.
In children, fluid in the middle ear may sometimes affect hearing over time. If reduced hearing persists, or if the child’s language development, hearing or wellbeing appears affected, further assessment may be needed.
Recurring ear infections
Some people experience ear infections repeatedly. With recurring symptoms, it may be appropriate to consider how often they occur, how severe they are, previous treatment, hearing and whether fluid remains in the middle ear between infections.
The aim is to provide appropriate assessment and treatment while avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics.
The aim is to provide appropriate assessment and treatment while avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions about ear infections in Oslo
Can an ear infection clear up on its own?
Yes, many ear infections clear up on their own, particularly in children. Pain relief and observation may often be sufficient initially, but severe symptoms, fever, feeling generally unwell or a suspected infection in an adult should be assessed.
How do I know whether I have an ear infection?
Common symptoms include ear pain, pressure, reduced hearing and sometimes fever. A doctor can examine the ear and assess the eardrum for signs of an ear infection.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not always. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, and many cases resolve without them. The doctor assesses the need based on age, symptoms, findings in the ear and general condition.
What helps with ear pain?
Painkillers may help, and keeping the head slightly elevated can provide relief. If the pain is severe, persists or becomes worse, you should seek medical assessment.
When is an ear infection more serious?
Severe pain, a high fever, fluid or pus draining from the ear, dizziness, noticeably reduced hearing, swelling behind the ear or feeling generally unwell may indicate that you should contact a doctor promptly.
