Are Ear Infections Contagious and Other Questions Answered

Most of us are no strangers to ear infections. Although adults are susceptible, the condition is more prevalent in young people, with five out of six children usually experiencing at least one ear infection before age 3. If you have a child or other loved one dealing with this painful condition, you may wonder what’s causing it, how to treat it, and ultimately, are ear infections contagious. Keep reading to learn about what you need to know—and can do—about ear infections.

Common Questions About Ear Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and More

At about 30 million visits in the U.S. each year, children’s ear infections top the list of reasons for visiting the doctor. These top questions and answers can go a long way toward easing pain, reducing symptoms, and increasing prevention.

What Causes an Ear Infection?

Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause ear infections. The most frequent culprit is a bacterial infection called otitis media (OM). OM occurs when excess fluid builds up in your middle ear and triggers pain and swelling. The fluid often comes from the back of your nose or sinuses due to a common cold, a sinus infection, or the flu. If the fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can lead to chronic otitis media (COM), which is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the eardrum. COM can also occur if there’s an eardrum injury.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

If you or a loved one has been battling a recent cold or sinus infection and you notice any of the following signs, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Untreated ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss or more lifelong issues.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Ear pain
• Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ears
• An earache that gets worse when you are lying down
• A discharge from the external auditory canal (ear)
• Swelling and redness around the outer part of the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

Young children who are unable to communicate they’re in pain may also be fussy, refuse to eat, and pull at their ears.

How Are Ear Infections Treated?

There are several treatment options:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics taken by mouth or as ear drops kill off the bacteria causing the infection. Most doctors prescribe amoxicillin or another antibiotic. (If you have a penicillin allergy, your doctor may prescribe cefdinir instead.)
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. While these drugs don’t cure ear infections, they relieve pain, help lower fevers, and reduce swelling so the eardrum doesn’t rupture.
• Ear Tube Surgery: In some situations—especially recurring and frequent ear infections—ear tube surgery may be necessary. If that is the case, it is important to find a qualified ear, nose, and throat surgeon near you.

Other treatments that can help lessen discomfort include:

• Applying warm or cold compresses
• Keeping your ear elevated while sleeping to help drain the infection
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Gargling with salt water to reduce inflammation

Can Ear Infections Be Prevented?

Ear infections can often be prevented by addressing the underlying causes and taking preventive measures such as:

1. Practicing Good Hygiene. Regular hand washing and maintaining cleanliness can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that lead to ear infections.
2. Avoiding Allergens. Managing allergies through medications and avoiding known triggers can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and prevent fluid buildup in the ears.
3. Breastfeeding infants. Breastfeeding can provide essential antibodies that help protect against infections, including ear infections. Additionally, holding infants upright while feeding can help prevent milk from entering the eustachian tubes, reducing the risk of ear infections.
4. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccinations, such as the flu and pneumococcal vaccines, can help reduce the risk of infections that may lead to ear infections.
5. Avoiding secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of respiratory infections and subsequent ear infections.
6. Keeping ears dry. Drying the ears after swimming or bathing can help prevent moisture buildup that may lead to infections.

Are Ear Infections Contagious?

Good news for those who worry if this painful condition can be caught by or spread to the rest of the family: Ear infections themselves are not contagious.

However, the infections that cause fluid buildup are. For that reason, it’s possible you may catch the virus or bacteria that your loved one is carrying. These types of infections are usually spread on infected surfaces or in the air through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Because of this, keep surfaces clean and avoid close contact with your infected loved ones while still ensuring they are cared for. If you start experiencing the same symptoms, get treatment right away so that your infection doesn’t turn into an ear infection.

Visit North Carolina Specialty Hospital for Top Ear Care in Raleigh-Durham

If you suspect you or a loved one has an ear infection, our award-winning North Carolina Specialty Hospital ear, nose, and throat specialists are here to help you with all your questions, including whether an ear infection is contagious. We can help you recover quickly from this painful condition so you don’t suffer any longer. Request an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist today!