Ear Infection - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Introduction

Ear infections can occur in both children and adults, usually in the middle ear – the sections of your ear behind the eardrum. However, children are more prone to ear infection risks than adults. Ear infections are caused by either virus or bacterial infections. These often result in fluid buildup, inflammation, and pain. But most ear infections become worse without any treatment. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ear infections. Please note that the information given in the write-up is completely based on our research and we do not construe it with the consultation of a healthcare expert. 

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What are ear infections?

An ear infection is a virus or bacterial infection of the middle ear – an air-filled space located behind the eardrum that uses vibrating bones to convert sound into signals that your brain can understand. An ear infection often causes inflammation and excessive fluid buildup. This increases the pressure on the eardrum causing pain. Moreover, ear infections are either chronic or acute. Chronic ear infections are more serious as they can permanently damage the inner and middle ear.

What are the types of ear infections? 

Ear infections are primarily of three types and they are:

• Acute otitis media (AOM): This is one of the most common forms of ear infection. In AOM, your middle ear becomes swollen due to infection, with fluid trapped behind the eardrum. You may experience a fever if you have AOM.
• Otitis media with effusion (OME): Also called serous or secretory otitis media, OME infection occurs when non-infected fluid collects in the middle-ear space. Liquid can be collected as a result of a sore throat, cold, or upper respiratory infection. However, you may not experience any symptoms.
• Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME): This form of ear infection occurs when fluid stays in the ear for extended periods or keeps returning. COME infections often reduce your ability to fight new ear infections. As a result, you can face hearing difficulties.

What are the signs and symptoms of ear infections?

The symptoms of ear infections differ in adults and children. However, earache is common in both. Symptoms can persist or recur from time to time. The symptoms of chronic ear infections are more noticeable than acute ear infections.

For adults, ear infections are super painful, often dull, sharp, or burning. They can experience constant pressure, reduced hearing, or fluid drainage from the ear. Other symptoms can include dizziness and vertigo. As for children, ear infection symptoms can vary a lot. Children may experience:

• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Loss of balance
• Pus-like ear drainage
• Ear tugging
• Sleeping difficulties
• Irritability or fussiness
• Headache

If children younger than 6 months experience fever or ear infection symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Also, if your child has severe ear pain or a fever above 39 degrees Celsius for more than 24 hours.

What are the causes of an ear infection?

An ear infection often results from the flu, colds, or allergic reactions as they cause swelling and congestion in the neck and throat, ear infections are more common in the fall or winter season when these illnesses upsurge the increased mucus in the sinuses block the eustachian tubes.

Anatomically speaking, eustachian tubes are small tubes that connect the middle ear to the nasal passage in the back of the throat. If eustachian tubes are blocked, they become swollen and inflamed. This causes fluids to build up in the ear and put pressure on the eardrum.

Additionally, eustachian tubes can become swollen because of inflamed adenoids – they are pads of tissues located at the start of the eustachian tubes and the back of the nasal cavity. Adenoids can trap passing bacteria or viruses and cause an ear infection.

How are ear infections diagnosed? 

Ear infections can be diagnosed with symptoms alone. However, to make sure, your doctor will examine your ear using an otoscope – an instrument with an attached light and magnifying glass. An otoscope can help the doctor to find:

• If the eardrum appears swollen or red
• Pus-like fluid buildup behind the eardrum
• A perforation in the eardrum
• A bulging or collapsed eardrum

In addition, your doctor may use a tool called a pneumatic otoscope to blow air at the eardrum. This is done to check if your eardrum can move properly. If not, there may be fluid buildup in the eardrum which is preventing its normal movements. And if your ear infection has advanced, your doctor may sample the fluid inside your ear to perform follow-up tests.

What is the process for an ear infection treatment?

Most mild ear infections usually clear up without any treatment. As a result, the focus of ear infection treatments is on pain management. Medicines like eardrops, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen are used to control earache and fever. However, your doctor can also recommend antibiotics if the symptoms are prolonged or severe.

Infants below the age of 6 months often need antibiotic treatment to curb the infection's spread. As for children older than 2 years, doctors usually avoid antibiotics as the overuse of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance. Following this, it becomes difficult to treat serious ear infections.

However, if the medical treatments are not effective or you have large adenoids, you may need surgery to clear the fluid buildup.

Conclusion

Ear infections are one of the most common clinical problems affecting every age group, from infants to adults and old age people. It can be a painful and discomforting situation for some people. Well, the good news is that most infections can be treated easily, and in very rare cases, they cause serious complications if not managed on time. If you notice symptoms like fever, ear pain, or problem hearing, you must seek clinical attention immediately. A healthcare expert will diagnose the ear infection type and prescribe treatments like pain relievers, antibiotics, etc. to manage the problem.

FAQ 

 

How to prevent ear infections in babies?

According to healthcare professionals, ear infections in babies can be prevented by getting them vaccinated before they are two years old. Doctors suggest that babies who are vaccinated are more likely to stay away from ear infections than those who are not. 

Can an ear infection cause a headache?

Yes, ear infection can lead to a dull, and aching pressure on one side of the head or jaw. 

Can an ear infection cause dizziness?

Yes, ear infections might lead to symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.