ENT

The  most common symptoms of an ear infection include:

• Pain inside the ear.
• A high temperature.
• Being sick.
• Difficulty hearing.
• Discharge running out of the ear.
• A feeling of pressure  
• Itching and irritation in and around the ear.

An ear infection is a swollen or inflammation of the middle ear. It is usually caused by the two most common types of bacterias, streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, viruses that cause colds or flu, and fluid building up behind the eardrum.

Ear infections are very common, affecting about 75% of children at some point in their lives.

Ear infection causes the narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked. This can lead to mucus build-up in the middle ear and cause an infection.

You may think of ear infections as something only kids get but they are also common in adults. In most cases, ear infections go away on their own and don’t need medical attention.

If left untreated, ear infections can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. If the condition is not severe, ENT doctors will likely treat your child’s pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC), pain relievers, or ear drops.

Remember that if the ear infection symptoms have not improved within three days or if you are experiencing new symptoms such as high fever, loss of balance, or discharge coming from the ear, you should visit the ENT specialist immediately.

Inner ear infection causes inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis), producing symptoms of vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving around. Other symptoms of inner ear infection include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Trouble balancing
• Trouble hearing 
• Ringing sound in the ear

Not all ear infections are caused due to bacteria or need prescription medication. Instead, you could find all the relief you need in your home with treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers and cold or warm compresses.

Ear pain is worse at night because of low cortisol levels. Lying down also backs up drainage or mucus into the middle ear, causing pressure on the eardrum and pain.

No. Ear infections are not contagious, but the colds that result in ear infections are. Colds spread through the germs released from the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing. Therefore, anything that can reduce the spread of germs through respiratory droplets will help reduce ear infection.

Ear infections occur when fluid in the interior space behind the eardrum becomes infected with bacteria. This increased pressure pushes the eardrum outward that causes pain and fever.

Ear infections are common in children because the tubes and spaces in their ears are so small. So, when a child gets a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection, bacteria from those illnesses can spread to the middle ear.

Germs, such as viruses, fungi, or bacteria cause ear infections. The way a person becomes infected will determine the kind of infection. For example, people with weakened immune systems or inflammation in the ear structures may be more prone to ear infections than others.

The condition called otitis externa or swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal and the skin around it. The most common causes are wearing unclean headphones or using unclean earphones with moisture trapped in them, which can result in bacterial growth.

Unless you sanitize them, your earbuds have probably accumulated much dirt and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions, rashes, or even infections. Thus, earbuds increase your risk of ear infections.

Ear infections are quite common. They are often preceded by colds or allergies, as both can lead to fluid buildup in the ear. The fluid then becomes infected making the pain worse. These ear infections are called otitis media.

If you have an ear infection, your first step is to see your doctor. An infection can spread to the rest of your body if not treated properly. If you’re looking for relief before your appointment, try these things:

• Keep the area around your ear clean.
• Take pain relievers
• Use a warm compress on your ear.

There is no sure way to prevent your child from getting ear infections, but some things that may help include breast-feeding, using a humidifier, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke.

Most ear infections do not cause any long-term damage. However, if an ear infection is left untreated it may lead to more serious problems such as hearing loss.