Otitis Media - Symptoms

Ear pain: Trapped fluid puts pressure on the eardrum, causing it to bulge. This can be very painful. In small children there maybe signs like rubbing or tugging on the ear lobes or excessive crying.

Loss of appetite: This may be most apparent in young children, especially during bottle feedings. Pressure changes in the middle ear as your child swallows can cause pain and less desire to eat.

Irritability: Any kind of persistent pain may cause irritability in children and adults. Patients may experience difficulty in hearing.

Drainage from the ear: Yellow, brown, or white fluid seeping from the ear that isn't earwax. This indicates the rupture of the eardrum.

Fever: Ear infections can cause temperatures up to 104 degrees F. Nausea, vomiting may be present due to increased pressure in the ear. Dizziness, loss of balance may occur. Joint and neck pain may be present.