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How do you know if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?

【Expert answer】

Created: 2022-06-24 14:42:12

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Ear pain and new onset fever after several days of a runny nose is probably an ear infection. Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last. Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus. Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.


What are the symptoms of a viral ear infection?

SymptomsEar pain, especially when lying down.Tugging or pulling at an ear.Trouble sleeping.Crying more than usual.Fussiness.Trouble hearing or responding to sounds.Loss of balance.Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher.

Are ear infections more viral or bacterial?

The researchers used a variety of laboratory techniques to identify the pathogen that caused ear infections, known clinically as acute otitis media (AOM), in 79 young children. They found bacteria in 92 percent of the cases, viruses in 70 percent, and both bacteria and viruses in 66 percent.

How do you fix a viral ear infection?

How are ear infections treated?1Apply a warm cloth to the affected ear.2Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).3Use OTC or prescription ear drops to relieve pain.4Take OTC decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).5Avoid sleeping on the affected ear.

How long does a viral ear infection last?

Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

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