Can Ear Infections Cause Vomiting or Nausea?

Key takeaways:

• Vomiting is a rare symptom of ear infection.
• Ear pain and fever are the most common signs of ear infection, which can be caused by a virus.
• Your doctor may change up your medications or add new ones to help you manage the vomiting.

Ear infections are painful and, unfortunately, common for children and some adults. An estimated 80 to 90% of children will experience a middle ear infection before they begin school. It’s most common between the ages of six and 24 months but can strike at any age.

So, would an ear infection cause vomiting? Occasionally. While ear pain is often the primary complaint from someone with an ear infection, other symptoms might also become bothersome. To further complicate matters, when the person with an infection is an infant or toddler, it can sometimes be difficult to understand their symptoms fully.

Keep reading to understand why vomiting is sometimes associated with ear infections, when to call your doctor, and when to seek emergency care.

Is it normal to throw up with an ear infection?

Vomiting is not a typical symptom of an ear infection, neither otitis media (infection of the middle ear) nor otitis externa (infection of the ear canal). Symptoms usually accompanying ear infection include fever, headache, fatigue, irritability, and poor sleep.

Why ear infections cause nausea or vomiting

Vomiting with an ear infection can be a sign that the infection has moved to other parts of the body.

The ear infection is caused by a virus

A virus infecting the middle ear will usually cause ear pain. But if that same virus infects your intestines, then you will likely experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting as well. Ear infections can also cause fluid buildup in the ear, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.

Your ear infection has spread inward

In rare circumstances, untreated ear infections can extend from the ear into the skull. This can lead to serious complications such as meningitis or brain abscess—both of which are life-threatening infections, and can cause nausea and vomiting.

Read our guide on types of vomit and vomit colors for more.

Common symptoms of ear infections

Some symptoms other than vomiting are more closely associated with ear infections.

Ear pain

Ear pain is the most common symptom of ear infection, with 67% of children presenting with this complaint. Children younger than two years may not complain of ear pain as they may be unable to verbalize their symptoms. Instead, they may tug on their ears or be extra fussy.

Fever

Fever is sometimes present in children with ear infections. Research suggests that the amount of ear infections that were accompanied by a fever may be as low as 25% or as much as 67%.

What to do if an ear infection is causing vomiting

If you or your child have been diagnosed with an ear infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Let your doctor know if you are vomiting while taking medicine— they may change the prescription or give additional medications to treat the vomiting.

Anti-nausea medications

Depending on your age and other conditions, your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve nausea or vomiting. This may alleviate the discomfort from these symptoms and help ensure you can take all prescribed medications.

Changing antibiotics

Doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics first. If nausea and vomiting are present, your doctor may instead give you medication via injection or IV.

Read our guide on treating vomit and nausea at home for more.

When to see a doctor about vomiting or nausea with an ear infection

Ear infections usually respond well to antibiotics and do not require urgent or emergency care. If you were diagnosed with an ear infection and have started vomiting, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• You are unable to take your medications due to nausea or vomiting.
• You are unable to keep fluids down.
• Your symptoms are preventing you from completing your normal daily activities.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are unable to rouse or wake the patient.
• You are unable to keep fluids down.

If you're still feeling unsure, read our guide on when to see a doctor for vomiting for more.

Questions to ask your doctor about vomiting or nausea with an ear infection

• What is causing these symptoms?
• Are there any home remedies for these symptoms?
• Is this infection contagious?
• How long should I expect these symptoms to last?

Frequently asked questions: vomiting with an ear infection

It is common to have questions about your symptoms. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have.

What if you have an ear infection and are only vomiting at night?

If you are vomiting with an ear infection at any time of day or night, contact your doctor. The vomiting might be due to fluid buildup in the ear or a virus that has infected your stomach and intestines. Either way, additional treatment or changing antibiotics can help manage these symptoms.

Can an ear infection cause vomiting and diarrhea together?

Yes, it can. The same viruses that cause ear infections can infect the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How can you completely stop nausea when you have an ear infection?

It may be difficult to completely stop nausea, but several options can lessen your symptoms. The most important step is to ensure you are treating the ear infection itself. Depending on the cause of the infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

The next step is to take medication directed at nausea or vomiting. Speak to your doctor about the different options.

What’s the difference if a child is experiencing vomiting and an ear infection versus an adult?

Ear infections in adults cause many of the same symptoms as in children. If you are experiencing vomiting and an ear infection, this may be due to fluid buildup in the ear. Be sure to call a doctor if you are having these symptoms.

Final thoughts

Vomiting is not a common symptom of ear infection, but it can happen. Children, who are already more susceptible to ear infections, may also be more likely to experience vomiting. Let your doctor know if you or your child are experiencing this symptom, as there may be several options to help you feel better.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

Danishyar, A., & Ashurst, J. (2023, April 15). Acute otitis media. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470332/.

Niemela, M et al. “Lack of specific symptomatology in children with acute otitis media.” The Pediatric infectious disease journal vol. 13,9 (1994): 765-8. doi:10.1097/00006454-199409000-00002

Schwartz, Richard H., et al. "The febrile response in acute otitis media." JAMA 245.20 (1981): 2057-2058.

Hersi, K., Gonzalez, F., & Kondamudi, N. (2023, August 12). Meningitis. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459360/

Bokhari, M., & Mesfin, F. (2024, September 21). Brain Abscess. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441841/