For others, pneumonia can cause severe respiratory distress and require hospitalization. Symptoms can also differ in children, leading to nausea and vomiting uncommonly seen in adults.

A warm compress can also be helpful. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it gently over your ear. The warmth can help loosen the fluid and relieve some of the discomfort.

Perhaps surprisingly, it’s possible to get swimmer’s ear without a dip in the pool, lake or ocean. Two doctors explain what this painful infection is and how to get rid of it.

Symptoms in adults typically include cold-like symptoms, health officials note that if an infection leads to complications like pneumonia or bronchitis, additional symptoms can develop.