When should I seek medical help with an ear infection?

A middle ear infection (also known as Otitis Media) can occur when viruses and bacteria that normally live in the throat cross into the middle ear through the Eustachian Tube. They do not spread from person to person and they most commonly occur with a cold.

Common symptoms of an acute ear infection are fever, pain, and irritability. If fluid builds up in the ear (serous otitis media) when the Eustachian Tube becomes blocked, and pressure in the middle ear drops, you may experience hearing loss or impairment in the infected ear. This is usually only temporary.

Learn more about ear infections including treatment options.

Ear infection treatment at your local Pharmasave

Some ear infections are caused by viruses so your pharmacist or doctor can help you navigate all the at-home or over-the-counter treatment options to help ease your symptoms.

For those infections caused by a bacteria and are severe, worsen or last longer than 2-3 days, antibiotics are often prescribed. To lower the chances of the infection returning, it’s very important to take the antibiotics regularly and finish the entire course of treatment even if the symptoms improve quickly.

Find your local Pharmasave and talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist about your symptoms and which treatment might be right for you.