Ear Infection Symptoms: Fever, Vomiting & Diarrhea – What’s Typical?

Acute otitis media (AOM) typically presents with:

• Ear pain (otalgia) – often worse lying down.
• Fever (common, especially in children).
• Hearing muffling (effusion).
• Irritability, tugging ear (infants).
• Otorrhea if TM ruptures.

GI Symptoms

Vomiting and diarrhea are not typical of AOM. They may occur due to:

• Concurrent viral illness (often the trigger for AOM).
• Antibiotic side effects (if treated).
• Severe pain → vagal response (rare).

Management

• Observation 48‑72 h if >2 y, non‑severe (AAP guidelines).
• Amoxicillin first‑line if antibiotics indicated.
• Analgesia: acetaminophen/ibuprofen.

When to Re‑Evaluate

Symptoms worsen or persist >48‑72 h on antibiotics; mastoiditis signs (post‑auricular swelling, protrusion); facial nerve palsy.