![]() ![]() ![]() Web. MD Ear Infection Center - In- depth information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of ear infections. An ear infection, or otitis media, is the most common cause of earaches. Although this condition is a frequent cause of infant distress and is often associated with children, it can also affect adults. The infection in the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum where tiny bones pick up vibrations and pass them along to the inner ear) very often accompanies a common cold, the flu, or other types of respiratory infections. This is because the middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract by a tiny channel known as the Eustachian tube. Germs that are growing in the nose or sinus cavities can climb up the Eustachian tube and enter the middle ear to start growing. Ear infection (Otitis) - symptoms, management, and treatment. Overview. An ear in need. Although ear infections strike people of all ages, children are particularly susceptible, especially between the ages of 6 months to 7 years. You may also feel burning or throbbing in the ear. All earaches need prompt and careful attention. Treatment usually takes from a few to several days. However it is possible, especially in cases involving children, that the condition will recur. Recurrence, especially in children, is difficult and frustrating. But it is essential to follow your physician's directions to prevent complications. In some cases, middle ear infections can cause a perforated eardrum, inflammation of the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis), or other complications. In most cases, when treated properly, complications, if any, will be minimal. Detailed Description. Infections and inflammation in the middle ear (otitis media) are most frequently caused by bacterial or viral infection and/or Eustachian tube obstruction. ![]() Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Ear infection in infants and severe cases in.
Less commonly, a ruptured eardrum may cause an infection. Middle ear infections are the most common and tend to recur, especially among children. The narrower tubes and sharper angles in a child's ear make them more prone to blockage and, therefore, infection. This is often called swimmer's ear because it frequently develops when swimming in water that contains bacteria. When water is trapped in your ear canal, it creates a prime environment for a fungal or bacterial infection. Other causes of swimmer's ear include allergies, and either chemical irritants or foreign objects in the ear canal. An infection of the labyrinth (the semicircular canals of the inner ear) can cause total loss of hearing. Trapped, infected . You may feel ear pain and, less commonly, itching. You may also have a low fever or discharge a small amount of pus. Symptoms may be accompanied by loss of hearing. By age 6, 9. 0% of all children have had at least one middle ear infection. Acute ear infections affect two- thirds of American children by age 2, and chronic ear infections affect two- thirds of children under age 6. Approximately $8 billion is spent annually on medical and surgical treatment of earaches in the United States. Children also get more colds than adults, making them more susceptible to ear infections. Senior citizens are more susceptible than younger adults, and may be more likely to experience some degree of hearing loss resulting from an infection. Studies show that males get ear infections slightly more often than females. What You Can Expect. Sometimes ear infections resolve without use of antibiotics; your doctor may opt to watch and wait — at least at first. In most cases, when treated with antibiotics and/or surgery, treatment will be effective and complications, if any, will be minimal. ![]() Some patients will be prone to recurrence. Antibiotics and ear drops are the two most commonly used therapies to treat ear infections in the United States. If antibiotics are not successful, a simple surgical procedure can also help clear up reoccurring ear infections. It is important that you take this medication exactly as directed and for as long as prescribed to prevent recurrence. Your doctor may place a wicking device into your ear canal to help keep the drops in contact with the canal for longer. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. Stay out of the water until your treatment is completed. If you suffer from pain, heat may offer some relief. The most common form of labyrinthitis is caused by a virus. ![]() ![]() Dog ear infection cause and treatment information. Discover how to diagnose the symptoms and treat ear infections in dogs. Discusses yeast ear infections, bacterial. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue. The vast majority of cases — though they may involve vertigo (dizziness, imbalance) — resolve without intervention. If fluid is present, otitis externa can also occur. Other possible complications include mastoiditis, meningitis, cholesteatomas, and permanent hearing loss. It's important to call your physician if, despite treatment, you have a fever above 1. In monitoring a child, you should also contact your physician if there is swelling around the child's ear or twitching of the child's face muscles. However, they may recur. If antibiotics are not effective with middle ear infections, surgery may be necessary. However, note that the surgery itself may encourage additional infections at a later time. Nonprescription nasal sprays or drops may help open the Eustachian tube and relieve pressure in the middle ear. Humidifiers are popular adjucant treatments for ear infections and upper respiratory tract infections in children. Low humidity may be a contributing factor to middle ear infections by causing nasal swelling and reduced ventilation of the Eustachian tube. It may also reduce ventilation of the tube and dry the tube lining, which could lead to an increase in secretions and an inability to clear fluid. If you use a humidifier, it may help reverse these tendencies in otitis media with effusion (effusion refers to fluid in the Eustachian tube). Most treatment for ear infections is performed on an outpatient basis, unless the condition is serious enough to require surgery. Healthcare Professionals Who May Be Involved in Treatment. There are several health professionals who usually participate in diagnosing and/or treating ear infections. Family physicians General physicians Pediatricians Ear, nose, and throat specialists. Activity and Diet Restrictions. Ear infection symptoms usually improve in two to three days. To assure speedy recovery, follow some simple guidelines: Rest or reduced activity until fever and pain subside. Avoid participating in water sports and flying, if possible. Food sensitivities contribute to many middle ear infections. Many children are sensitive to milk, dairy, wheat, and eggs. An elimination diet is a way of helping to pinpoint the food(s) causing the problem. For help conducting a formal elimination diet, consult a nutritionally oriented doctor or a naturopath. Drug Therapy. Surgery. The standard medical approach to ear infections in children is antibiotics, analgesics, and/or antihistamines. However, if the ear infection is long- standing or unresponsive to the drugs, surgery is often performed. This is not a curative procedure and children with myringotomy tubes are more likely to have subsequent ear infections. There is debate over the need for this procedure. Managing Ear Infection Treatment. Managing therapy depends on which type of ear infection you or your child has. Take all the prescribed antibiotics. Avoid flying and water sports, if possible. For infants, breastfeed when possible, and do not allow your child to take a bottle to bed. Swimmer's ear: Administer antibiotics and ear drops as instructed by the physician. Take all the prescribed antibiotics. Do not swim until infection clears up. Monitoring the Condition. After your physician's diagnosis and treatment, self care is usually adequate. However, your physician should monitor your general condition and medications, and you should contact your doctor if the pain persists despite treatment. Severe earaches and resistant infections may require treatment by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Possible Complications. Several complications may arise from untreated or poorly treated middle ear infections: Middle ear effusions Eardrum rupture Hearing loss (usually temporary, but sometimes permanent)Mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid bone behind the ear; rare)Meningitis (rare)Dural venous thrombophlebitis Brain abscess Facial nerve paralysis. Swimmer's ear (auditory ear canal infection) can also result in: Complete closure of the ear canal (causing significant hearing loss)Cellulitis (deep tissue infection)Boils in the ear canal Chronic inflammation that is difficult to cure. Quality of Life. If you or your child suffer repeatedly from swimmer's ear or middle ear infection, you may want to take the following precautions: Try to avoid getting water up the nose when swimming and bathing. Cut back on the amount of time spent in the water (limit children to no longer than one hour). Allow your ears to dry for one and two hours before returning to the water. After children bathe or shower, have them dry their ears with a small ball of cotton (not a cotton swab). Dry your ears, or your child's ears, immediately after bathing, and use ear drops as directed. If you or your child has persistent swimmer's ear, stay out of the water for at least one week (possibly longer if the pain and itching do not clear up). Breastfeed whenever possible. Do not give your child a bottle to take to bed because fluid could flow from the throat to the Eustachian tube, increasing the chances of developing an ear infection. Considerations for Children and Adolescents. The majority of patients diagnosed with middle ear infections are children. If this happens to you, ask your doctor about using a steroid nasal spray, antihistamines, or decongestants during future respiratory infections.
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