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Ear Infection

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Ear Infection
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By KayaWell Expert

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Ear Infection

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.

Most parents are frustratingly familiar with ear infections. Except for wellness baby visits, ear infections are the most common reason for trips to the pediatrician, accounting for approximately 30 million doctor visits a year in the U.S.
 
 
 

The middle ear is a small space behind the ear drum that is supposed to be well ventilated by air that normally passes up from behind the nose, through the Eustachian tube, keeping the middle ear clean and dry. When there is not enough fresh air ventilating the middle ear, such as when the Eustachian tube is clogged or blocked, the area becomes damp, stagnant, and warm, a perfect breeding ground for germs.

In children and infants, the Eustachian tube is often too soft or immature and has a harder time staying open. Allergies, post nasal drainage, sinus infections, common cold virusesand adenoid problems can all interfere with the Eustachian tube’s ability to let air pass into the middle ear.
The symptoms of an ear infection in adults are:-

Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain)
A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Nausea
Muffled hearing
Ear drainage

In children, the symptoms are:-

Tugging at the ear
Poor sleep
Fever
Irritability, restlessness
Ear drainage
Diminished appetite
Crying at night when lying down
Often, a virus causes an ear infection, in which case antibiotics won’t help. If, based on the history, your doctor suspects that bacteria may have caused the infection, she will prescribe an antibiotic.

You may also talk to your doctor about things you can do at home.
Pain Relief:-

If a virus is causing the infection and you have to wait for it to get better, you don’t need to live with the pain.

Your doctor may recommend a pain reliever, typically acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which also helps reduce a fever. Aspirin should be avoided in children because of the threat of Reye's syndrome, a rare condition that can cause swelling in the brain or liver.

Pain can also be reduced by using low heat from a heating pad. Be very careful using a heating pad with children.

Antibiotics:-

If your doctor decides to go with antibiotics, follow all the instructions. Take all of the doses even if you or your child are feeling better. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you skip a dose or feel sick from the medicine.

If you don’t take the whole course, your infection could come back and become resistant to more treatments.

Drainage:-

If an infection causes serious complications, fluid remains in the ear for a long time, or your child has ear infections that keep coming back, your doctor might want to do a procedure called a myringotomy.
Ear Infection

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