Ear infections, also known as otitis, occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed, leading to symptoms such as earache, fever, and temporary hearing loss.
There are several types of ear infections, including acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and otitis externa (Swimmer’s ear).
These infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and are more common in children than in adults. If you suspect an ear infection, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you notice an ear infection?
If you notice you or someone you know states: “I can’t hear you” more frequently than normal, it’s good to see a doctor to try to stop the infection from getting worse. Worse could turn into something serious. Fever. Pain radiating in the face, neck, and head. An infection that blocks the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness inside the ear
- Fluid in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Increasing pain, especially when wiggling the earlobe
- Pain inside the ear
- A high temperature
- Being sick
- A lack of energy
- Difficulty hearing
- Discharge running out of the ear
- A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
- itching and irritation in and around the ear
What are the different types of ear infections?
Middle Ear Infection from a Virus:
Middle ear infections from a virus, also known as viral otitis media, can be caused by respiratory viruses such as the common cold or the flu.
When viruses infect the middle ear, they can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup, resulting in symptoms such as ear pain, difficulty hearing, and sometimes a fever.
Viral middle ear infections are quite common in children and can sometimes occur following a cold or other respiratory illness. These infections are usually managed through pain management and symptom relief, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of viral middle ear infections.
Ear Infection From a Bacteria:
An ear infection caused by bacteria, also known as bacterial otitis media, occurs when bacteria invade the middle ear, leading to inflammation, fluid buildup, and symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and sometimes drainage of pus from the ear. Bacterial ear infections are common in both children and adults and are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment of bacterial ear infections to prevent potential complications and to ensure effective management of the condition.
Swimmer’s Ear:
Swimmer’s ear (also called otitis externa) is an infection started by bacteria in the water left inside the ear after swimming. If you spend a lot of time swimming, especially in water with high levels of bacteria, you’re at risk for Swimmer’s ear. Children are more likely to get it because they have a narrow ear canal. Swimmer’s ear can start with discomfort. As symptoms get worse, they can get downright painful.
How to avoid ear infections?
- Keep your ears dry.
- Tilt and shake your head to drain the water from the ears.
- You can use a hair dryer to dry out ears. Set the heat to low and keep the heat source far enough away from the skin to avoid causing any burns.
- Avoid excessive earplug use and remove hearing aids often to keep earwax from building up and being pushed into the ear canal.
- Consider using over-the-counter eardrops after water exposure.
- Consider seeing an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) to discuss other solutions if they are prone to ear infection symptoms.
- Irritants such as aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs
- Sticking other objects in the ear.
- People who overproduce earwax are also more vulnerable to ear infections.
- Using a swimming cap that traps moisture.
- Using hair sprays that get into the ear.
What are some other risk factors for ear infections?
1. Age: Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more prone to ear infections.
2. Seasonal factors: Ear infections are more common during colder months.
3. Exposure to tobacco smoke: Children exposed to tobacco smoke may have a higher risk of ear infections.
4. Attending daycare: Children in daycare settings are more likely to develop ear infections.
5. Bottle feeding: Babies who are bottle-fed while lying down may have a higher risk of ear infections.
6. Genetics: A family history of ear infections may increase the risk for an individual.
7. Allergies: Allergies can lead to swelling and fluid buildup in the ear, increasing the risk of infection.
When to seek medical care for an ear infection?
If you or a family member are experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions above, make sure you are seen by a medical professional. Ear infections typically do not resolve on their own without antibiotics.
In addition, an ear infection if not treated can lead to permanent damage to the ear which can include hearing loss and your infection spreading.
Do not wait, visit our urgent care today for symptom analysis and treatment if you suspect you have an ear infection.
