Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The middle ear, or the area of the ear located behind the eardrum, is commonly the site of an ear infection. The majority of infections get better without medical intervention, but when they do, they can be quite painful. Ear infections are more common in children than in adults. Young children may cry or experience ear pain, especially when lying down. Some symptoms include inability to rest, abnormal crying, and dizziness. Pain, hearing loss, and ear fluid drainage are all symptoms that can affect adults.
Congestion and swelling of the nasal passages and throat brought on by a cold, flu, or allergy can also lead to ear infections. Two small tubes called Eustachian Tubes connect the middle ear to the upper part of the back of the throat. The tubes’ opening and closing at the throat help maintain a constant air pressure in the middle ear and provide a constant supply of fresh air to the ear. Swelling of the Eustachian tubes from infection can block them, leading to a buildup of fluid in the middle ear and a subsequent ear infection. Your adenoids are two small tissue pads situated behind your nose. These aid in increasing your immune system’s efficiency. The middle ear can become infected if the adenoid pads swell.
Ear infection in the middle ear
Even if you don’t have a virus or bacteria, you can still develop swelling in your middle ear. This may occur if fluid continues to accumulate even after the ear infection has been treated. Children who have had ear infections in the past are at risk for developing them again because fluid can collect in the middle ear and return even if there is no bacterial or viral infection present. Chronic suppurative otitis media is an ear disease that can cause a perforation of the eardrum if an ear infection does not heal after receiving standard medical treatment.
A delay in treating an ear infection can lead to a variety of complications. Repeated ear infections can gradually damage hearing if they go untreated. Damage to the eardrum can cause a gradual decline in hearing, and in extreme cases, total deafness. Delays in language development are another possible consequence of ear infections in children. Infection of the ear canal can also damage the bony projection behind the ear, leading to the development of pus-filled cysts.
Infection rates can be decreased through preventative measures
To lessen the likelihood of getting an ear infection, it’s best to take precautions. Instruct your young ones to engage in regular and thorough hand washing. Babies who have been breastfed for at least six months have better protection against ear infections, as breast milk contains antibodies that help children.
If a child younger than six months old has symptoms that last more than a day, you should take them to the doctor. If you or your child is experiencing severe ear pain, or if you see fluid or pus draining from the ear, you should see a doctor right away.