A double ear infection involves both ears and considered serious. The symptoms can be more intense, and the treatment is generally aggressive. An infection is usually brought about by viruses or bacteria and forms once the infected fluids accumulates in the middle ear.
In case a child develops fever, tugs or rubs on both ears and has signs of an ear infection, it might be a double ear infection. Prompt treatment will allow the condition to settle in just a few days.
What are the indications?
An infection in one ear can progress to a double ear infection. Nevertheless, the signs of a double ear infection typically involve both ears at the same time.
The usual signs of a double ear infection might include:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher that lasts for 48 hours or longer
- Recent upper respiratory infection
- Drainage of pus from the ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rubbing, tugging or pain in both ears
- Fussiness or irritability
- Difficulty breathing
- Lack of interest in feeding
Management of a double ear infection
A mild case of ear infection in one ear will subside without treatment. As for a double ear infection, it is considered serious.
If caused by a virus, medications could not help. The infection is left to run its course. If a bacterial strain is the cause, the treatment involves antibiotics.
The commonly used antibiotic among young children with the infection is amoxicillin. The drug must be taken for a week or more. The prescribed course must be taken to allow the infection to heal.
For pain relief, the doctor might recommend pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
For a recurrent case of double ear infection, miniature ear tubes are placed in the ear to improve drainage. If the child has incorrectly formed or immature Eustachian tubes, the tubes are in place for several months or longer to lower the risk for ear infections.
What is the outlook?
With correct treatment, the infection should recuperate. A double ear infection will start to settle in a few days. The child should be given the complete course up to a week or 10 days.