What are the symptoms of having an ear infection?

Question

I want to make sure I dont have an ear infection, w/o going to the docter. What should I do?

Answer 1

Generally, the first symptom is searing ear pain. If you take hold of the cartiliage of your upper ear and give it a little tug and you go thru the ceiling because it hurts so much, that's an outer ear infection, commonly called "swimmers' ear", and you can treat that at home. (Just supportive care - like Motrin for pain, and swimmers' ear drops.) If your ear hurts so much you want to jam something into the side of your head, and you might or might not have a fever, it's probably a middle ear infection. Take some Motrin or Advil for pain and if you have a heating pad, put it on low and rest that side of your head on it. See a doctor for antibiotics if you don't start to feel better after a day or two.