Article Translations: (Spanish)
Say: oh-TY-tus ME-dee-uh
Most kids have had an ear infection, also known as otitis media. Media means middle, so when you get an ear infection, germs get into the middle part of the ear causing fluid or pus to build up in the space behind the eardrum. This makes your ear sore. The good news is that ear infections often go away on their own in a few days. Sometimes a doctor will give you some medicine to make it better.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com
Reach us 24/7 for patient referrals, consults, admissions and neonatal transport.
Home | Privacy policy & terms of use | Contact us
© 2025 Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 41-1754276.