EAR INFECTIONSDefinition: Inflammat

EAR INFECTIONSDefinition: Inflammation of the middle ear, sometimes associated with upper respiratory tract infections (colds, chest infections). The infection can be bacterial or viral. It is a common condition, occurring most frequently in children, and is often bilateral (both ears). It has a peak incidence of between three and six years. Symptoms: Ear pain and rubbing, fever and a generally unwell and irritable baby. Swimming:Doctors rule on ear infections and need their permission to swim or not to swim. When they are able to swim absolutely nothing should be put in the ear as the limited information out there suggests it can do more harm than good. The only advice that we give parents is to roll them onto the affected ear side to drain the ear after the swim and never put anything in the ear to dry it afterwards. When there is discharge from the ear the child would probably be advised not to swim at all. For other children with ear infections it is likely that they would be advised not to go under waterThe information contained in this document has been created to give you back ground knowledge of the medical condition. If you have a query on a specific condition please email