Redness, swelling, or pain in the external ear or behind the ear
Occasionally an ear infection will involve the ear canal and surrounding tissues more than the space behind the eardrum (middle ear). There may be redness and swelling on the outside of the ear.
Infection in the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis) is a rare problem that may be associated with an ear infection. Symptoms of mastoiditis may develop 10 to 14 days after an ear infection and include:
- Redness and swelling on the outside of the ear.
- Pain behind the ear.
- Fever.
- Drainage from the ear.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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