An ear infection is a common health problem that affects the middle ear, outer ear, or inner ear. If left untreated, it can result in pain, discomfort, hearing loss, and other complications. We will explain in this blog what causes ear infections, recognize the symptoms, diagnose them, treat them, and prevent them in this blog post.
Infections of the ears are usually caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the eustachian tubes, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear and back of the throat. The eustachian tubes help regulate the pressure and drainage of fluid in the middle ear. However, they can become blocked or swollen due to a variety of factors.
Allergies
Colds
Sinus infections
Excess mucus
Smoking
Changes in air pressure
During an infection, fluid can build up in the middle ear when the Eustachian tubes are blocked or swollen.
Inner ear infections and outer ear infections can also occur. The outer ear infection, also called otitis externa or swimmer's ear, is caused by bacteria and fungi that enter the ear canal through water, scratches, or foreign objects. A virus spreads from the respiratory system or bloodstream to the inner ear, which controls balance and hearing, causing inner ear infection, also known as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis.
The symptoms of ear infections depend on which part of the ear is affected and how severe the infection is. Some of the common symptoms include:
Ear pain or discomfort
Feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
Pus-like or bloody drainage from the ear
Hearing loss or difficulty hearing
Fever
Dizziness or vertigo
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Loss of balance or coordination
Children are more prone to ear infections than adults because they have shorter and narrower eustachian tubes. They may also show other signs of ear infections, such as:
Tugging or pulling at their ears
Trouble sleeping or eating
Crying more than usual
Irritability or fussiness
Not responding to sounds or voices
A doctor will use an instrument called an otoscope to examine your ears and ask about your symptoms to diagnose an ear infection. Using an otoscope, your doctor can inspect your ears for signs of inflammation, fluid, pus, or perforations.
The doctor may also perform other tests to assess your hearing and balance functions, such as:
Tympanometry: This test measures how well your eardrum moves when air pressure is applied to it.
Audiometry: This test measures how well you hear different sounds and frequencies.
Vestibular tests: These tests measure how well your inner ear and brain coordinate your eye movements and body position.
X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may also be ordered by the doctor to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as tumors, fractures, or abscesses.
The treatment of ear infections depends on the type, cause, and severity of the infection. Some of the common treatment options include:
If you have bacterial or viral infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals. Pain, swelling, congestion, or allergy symptoms can also be relieved by pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, decongestants, or steroids prescribed by the doctor.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, or acids to treat outer ear infections. For softening and removing wax buildup in your ears, the doctor may also recommend using warm compresses or over-the-counter ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
A doctor may recommend surgery to drain fluid from your middle ear or to repair a perforated eardrum in some cases. You may also have your doctor insert a small tube called a tympanostomy tube into your eardrum to allow air and fluid to pass through. These tubes usually fall out after several months.
If you have inner ear infections that cause dizziness or balance problems, you may benefit from physical therapy that involves exercises to improve vestibular function.
Boosting your immune system and protecting your ears can prevent ear infections. Here are some tips:
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can irritate your eustachian tubes and increase your risk of ear infections.
Putting anything in your ears, such as cotton swabs, fingers, or foreign objects, can damage your ear canal or eardrum and introduce bacteria or fungi.
To prevent water from entering your ears, dry them gently with a towel or hair dryer on a low setting after swimming or bathing. Ear plugs or a swimming cap can also be used to prevent water from entering.
You can also use a humidifier or a steam inhaler to moisten your nasal passages and clear your mucus if you suffer from allergies, colds, or sinus infections.
It is also important to get vaccinated against diseases that can cause ear infections, such as influenza, pneumococcal, and measles, and to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, sleep enough, and exercise regularly in order to boost your immunity.
Everyone at any age can suffer from ear infections, which are common but treatable health problems. You can prevent complications by knowing the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ear infections. If you have any questions or concerns about your ear health, consult your doctor.
