Ear infections are a common health issue, particularly in children under the age of two. These infections often arise as a complication of colds, which are contagious, though the ear infections themselves are not. One of the primary signs of an ear infection in a child includes a combination of fever, irritability, and ear pain.

An ear infection, medically termed as “acute otitis media,” occurs in the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum filled with air. When the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, become swollen or blocked due to a cold, flu, or allergy, it can lead to an ear infection. This blockage causes symptoms like ear pain, especially when lying down, tugging or pulling at an ear, trouble sleeping, and increased crying.

Moreover, persistent coughs can sometimes be related to ear infections. Common causes for a cough include postnasal drip, acid reflux, or as a side effect of medications, such as ACE inhibitors used for treating high blood pressure and heart disease. Acute bronchitis, typically a viral infection, is also a common cause of coughing up blood but is generally not dangerous in most cases.

Chronic ear infections, different from swimmer’s ear which affects the external ear canal, can lead to severe complications like hearing loss, eardrum perforation, and may require surgical intervention if not treated promptly. Conductive hearing loss occurs when fluid or infection behind the eardrum blocks sound, which can be a consequence of chronic ear infections.

For more detailed information about ear infections, you can visit these resources:

Looking for the Signs of an Ear Infection | RUSH
Coughs and Colds – Harvard Health
By the way doctor: Plugged-up feeling in an ear – Harvard Health
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold)
What can cause a persistent dry cough? – Harvard Health
Ear Infection | University Health Center
Inner/Middle Ear Problems | Ear Nose and Throat/Otolaryngology
Chronic Ear Infections | University of Utah Health