An ear infection is usually a viral or a bacterial infection of the middle ear. The air filled space behind the eardrum is called the middle ear. The middle ear contains tiny vibrating bones that convert sounds into signals for the brain. The viral or bacterial infection causes inflammation and a build-up of fluid within the internal space of the ear. This inflammation and build-up of fluid exerts pressure on the eardrum and causes extreme pain. An ear infection is of two types, acute and chronic. Acute ear infections are painful but are commonly short in duration. Chronic ear infections, on the other hand, may cause permanent damage to the ear. Children are more likely to suffer from ear infections because they have smaller Eustachian tubes.
Types of ear infection :
- Acute Otitis Media (AOM): This is the mildest form of ear infection.
- Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): In this case, the ear infection has run its course but there is still some fluid remaining behind the eardrum.
- Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME): In this case, the fluid keeps building up in the middle ear with or without an infection.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ear infection vary in children and adults. Adults mostly experience fluid in the ear, pain and pressure in the ear and reduced hearing. Children experience a broader range of symptoms such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of balance
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Pain in the ear
- Headaches
- Difficulty hearing
- Drainage of fluid from the ear
- Crying more than usual
Causes
The cause for ear infections is bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear. It causes swelling and blockage in the eustachian tubes. Eustachian tubes are tubes that connect the ear to the back of the throat. The reasons for the eustachian tubes getting blocked are :
- Allergies
- Cold
- Excess mucus
- Sinus infections
- Smoking
- Change in air pressure
- Swollen adenoids
Treatment
Most ear infections commonly clear up on their own without antibiotic treatment. Babies under six months of age are usually given antibiotics. Children upto the age of two years are monitored closely and given antibiotics only in case of severe infection. Treatment is given often for pain management.
Ear infections can be prevented by reducing the risk of getting bacterial or viral infections. These risks can usually be reduced by washing hands often, getting the required immunizations, avoiding second-hand smoke and avoiding overly crowded places.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-infections
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167409.php
4. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/understanding-otitis-media-basics#1
