Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
When your child cries because their ears hurt — Treatment for otitis media and serous otitis media where fluid doesn't drain.
Reasons why your ear hurts after a cold.
Acute otitis media occurs when inflammation in the nose spreads to the ear, and it is very common in infants and young children. Infants who cannot speak may repeatedly touch their ears, cry excessively at night, and have a fever.
- The first treatment is to reduce pain with analgesics and antipyretics, and antibiotics are used depending on the age and severity of the condition (Otolaryngology/Pediatrics).
- If antibiotics are started, it is important to complete the prescribed course to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
- If pus suddenly drains from the ear, it may indicate a ruptured eardrum. While this can reduce pain, it usually heals well on its own. Do not be alarmed; seek medical attention.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
I don't have a fever or pain, but I can't hear well — Serous otitis media.
Sometimes, after acute inflammation subsides, only fluid (effusion) remains in the ear. It's often unnoticed because it doesn't cause pain, but it can be detected when someone has difficulty responding to sounds or speech, even at a louder volume.
- In most cases, this fluid resolves on its own within 3 months, so observation is usually sufficient. However, if it persists for longer than that, or if there are concerns about hearing loss or delayed language development, tympanostomy tube insertion may be considered.
- Be sure to monitor children with chronic middle ear infections during the period when they are learning to speak.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
Does swimming pool water cause middle ear infections?
No, otitis media spreads from the nasal passages, while water from swimming stays outside the eardrum (in the external auditory canal). Pain in the ear after swimming is usually due to external otitis, which is also treated at an ENT clinic.
I keep getting recurrent ear infections.
Group activities in daycare centers, exposure to secondhand smoke, and feeding from a bottle while lying down are recurring factors. If these occur more than 3-4 times a year, consult with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) about interventions such as inserting ventilation tubes.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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