Ear Infections and Earwax

Question 1

Signs of ear infection in babies and young children

Answer 1

Rubbing/pulling their ear
Not reacting to sounds
Irritable and restless
Refusing food
Balance issues

Question 2

Ear infection symptoms

Answer 2

Pain inside ear
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Difficulty hearing
Discharge from ear
Pressure in ear
Itching/irritation in and around ear
Scaly skin

Question 3

Lifestyle advice for ear infection

Answer 3

Use painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
Place a warm or cold flannel over the ear
Remove any discharge with cotton wool
Do not insert anything including cotton buds into the ear
Do not let water or shampoo get in the ear
Do not use decongestants or antihistamines

Question 4

Ear infection referral

Answer 4

3 days no improvement
Very high temperature
Hot and shivery
Swelling
Immunocompromised
Severe systemic symptoms

Question 5

What are symptoms of earwax buildup?

Answer 5

Hearing loss
Earache
Tinnitus
Vertigo - feeling sick and dizzy

Question 6

Advice for earwax build-up

Answer 6

Use olive oil ear drops to soften earwax or sodium bicarbonate ear drops to dissolve:
1. Lie on your side
2. Put 2-3 drops in your ear.
3. Stay still for 5-10 mins
4. Wipe away excess
5. Repeat 3-4 times a day (OO) or twice a day (SB) for 3-5 days

Don’t insert fingers or cotton buds to remove earwax as it can push it in and make it worse.

Question 7

Referral for earwax build-up

Answer 7

> 5 days of treatment
Hearing loss
Signs of infection.