Ear infection | 2 min read

Ear infections mostly affect children, but adults are not immune. An ear infection occurs when one of your eustachian tubes becomes swollen or blocked, causing fluid to build up in your middle ear. Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat.

Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Chronic ear infections either don’t clear up or recur many times and can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear. Symptoms may occur in one or both ears. Pain is usually more severe for infection in both ears.

Causes of ear infection

Allergies
Colds
Sinus infections & postnasal drip
Upper respiratory infection
Excess mucus
Smoking
Infected for swollen adenoids
Changes in air altitude
Use of pacifiers

Symptoms of ear infection

Symptoms may occur in one or both ears. Pain is usually more severe with infection in both ears. Children younger than six months who have a fever or ear infection symptoms should see a doctor. Always seek medical attention if your child has a fever higher than 39°C or severe ear pain.

Symptoms include:

Pain
Feeling of ear fullness due to fluid or mucus
Decreased hearing
Ear drainage
Fever

Risk factors

The typical risk factors include:

– Seasonal or year-round allergies
– Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
– A compromised immune system
– Diabetes
– Kids in daycare
– Sticking objects in your ear
– Exposure to water due to swimming

Prevention of ear infections

The following may reduce the risk of ear infection:

Washing your hands often
Avoiding overly crowded areas
Forgoing pacifiers with infants and small children
Breastfeeding infants
Avoiding second-hand smoke
Keeping immunisations up to date

Treatments for ear infections

Consult with your general practitioner if ear pain or muffled hearing persists or worsens after three days. Consult with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor if an ear infection occurs more than twice a year.

Patients diagnosed with an ear infection may initially be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and antihistamines. If the symptoms persist for more than a week, and the doctor suspects that bacteria may have caused the infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed.

Sources:

www.cdc.gov