Paediatrics, by video or in person
Ear Infection in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Ear Infection in Children
- Ear pain, or a baby pulling or rubbing an ear
- Fever
- Crying, irritability and poor sleep
- Poor feeding
- Fluid or pus coming out of the ear
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
A middle ear infection, acute otitis media, is one of the commonest reasons young children see a doctor, and it often follows a cold. Symptoms usually last about three days and can last up to a week, and most children get better within three days without antibiotics, so pain relief is the main treatment. Antibiotics help some children, such as those under two with infection in both ears, those with discharge from the ear, and those who are very unwell or not improving. Fluid can stay behind the eardrum for weeks afterwards, which is called glue ear.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Ear pain, or a baby pulling or rubbing an ear
- Fever
- Crying, irritability and poor sleep
- Poor feeding
- Fluid or pus coming out of the ear
- Some loss of hearing for a while
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if a child with an ear infection is very drowsy or floppy, has a stiff neck, has a fit, or has a painful red swelling behind the ear that pushes the ear forward, which can be mastoiditis. See a doctor within a day for a baby under three months with a fever, ear pain with a high fever, discharge from the ear, or a child who is getting worse or is no better after three days. See a doctor if hearing seems poor for more than a few weeks after an infection, or infections keep coming back.
Treatment options
- Pain and fever relief, at the dose on the pack or from your doctor
- Watching for a few days without antibiotics for most children, with a plan to review
- Antibiotics for the children who need them, prescribed by a doctor who has looked at the eardrum
- A hearing check if fluid stays behind the eardrum
- Referral to an ENT surgeon for repeated infections or glue ear that will not clear
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Should I put oil or drops in my child's ear?
No. Do not put oil, herbal drops or anything else into a child's ear unless a doctor has examined it, especially if there is discharge, which can mean a small hole in the eardrum.
Does every ear infection need antibiotics?
No. Most clear within three days on their own, and antibiotics bring side effects such as diarrhoea and rash. A doctor gives them where the benefit is clear, for example in a child under two with both ears infected, or with discharge from the ear.
Can a doctor diagnose an ear infection by video?
A doctor can assess the pain, the fever and how unwell your child is, and advise on pain relief and when to be seen. Confirming an ear infection needs someone to look at the eardrum, so if antibiotics may be needed the doctor will arrange an examination in person.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Otitis media (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG91). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Ear infections. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.