Otitis Media (middle ear infection, adjunctive care)
Also known as: otitis media, middle ear infection, ear infection, glue ear
Otitis media is a middle-ear infection common in children, causing ear pain and sometimes fever or temporary hearing reduction. Most cases settle without antibiotics. Chinese medicine frames acute cases as Wind-Heat and recurrent cases as Spleen deficiency with Phlegm. Children must be assessed by a GP first.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Most ear infections settle in 2–3 days; pain relief is the mainstay.
- •Keep the home smoke-free — passive smoke raises infection risk.
- •Breastfeeding and avoiding dummies after 6 months reduce recurrence.
- •Recurrent infections or hearing concerns need GP review and possibly a hearing test.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Children with ear pain should be assessed by a GP before any Chinese medicine treatment.[,]
- •Do not delay medical care for ear discharge, swelling behind the ear or high fever.[,]
When to reassess or seek care again
Acute: confirm GP review and follow up within a week. Recurrent: track episode frequency over 3 months; refer for audiology if hearing concerns persist.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- Raising Children Network Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.