Infections are never good. This is a universal truth. And just about every part of the human body can become infected in one way or another. One of the most common areas to experience infection is our ears.
But what exactly is going on when our ears become infected? And when is it time to seek the help of an ENT specialist?
Definition
There is a small space behind the eardrum that is filled with air. This area contains tiny vibrating bones that help us interpret the sounds around us. This is what’s known as the middle ear. Ear infections most commonly affect this section of our ears.
An infection is an invasion of disease-causing agents into body tissue. These agents multiply which sets off a reaction in the host tissue. The presence of the agents is enough to elicit a reaction from the body, but the toxins they produce kick it into overdrive. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and a number of other harmful pathogens can be the cause of an infection.
An ear infection is simply when these unwanted pathogens make their way into the ear canal. The resulting condition can be quite unpleasant.
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Causes
These pathogens can make their way into our ears from a variety of sources. Ear infections often accompany other ailments such as allergies, the flu, or a cold. These conditions often cause swelling of important passages in the nose, throat, and eustachian tubes.
The eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nasal cavity and upper throat. They help to refresh the air in the ear, regulate air pressure, and drain secretions from the ear. Blockage of these secretions can occasionally occur. This blocked fluid is stuck in the ear canal and can become infected.
Children have narrow Eustachian tubes which makes them more likely to get blocked. This is one of the reasons children are more prone to experiencing ear infections.
Symptoms
The most immediate symptom someone suffering from an ear infection will notice is pain. Though it is usually mild, those with ear infections often experience discomfort. This might also be accompanied by a feeling of pressure deep inside the infected ear.
A difficulty hearing can also be experienced. This is a result of the infection and should go away once the infection is cleared up. However, rare complications can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Drainage is also occasionally seen with an ear infection. A pus-like substance can leak from the ear.
Children under two years old frequently experience ear infections. They won’t be able to tell you about their symptoms so parents will need to look out for the signs of an infection:
Crying more than usual
Pulling on their ear
Trouble sleeping
Fussiness
Difficulty responding to sounds
These along with any signs of pain or discomfort are signs of an ear infection. The child should be brought to an ENT specialist for treatment.
Other Types
We’ve been discussing middle ear infections because they are the most common. However, there are other types of infections.
Inner Ear
An inner ear infection often affects the balance and hearing capabilities of the sufferer. This is called labyrinthitis. It is a result of inflammation or irritation of the parts of the ear that dictate a person’s ability to balance themselves. In more rare cases, an inner ear infection can be the result of the invasion of bacteria or a virus.
Outer Ear
This is an infection in the ear canal and the outer opening of the ear. It is commonly referred to as “swimmer’s ear” because it is often the result of exposure to moisture. Quite literally, many people who spend a lot of time in the water experience these types of infections. This can result in swelling, a feeling of heat in the ear, redness, pain, discharge, and itchiness.
Treatment
A lot of ear infections are mild. The body’s immune system clears these up on its own. The sufferer can help their body fight against the infection by applying a warm, wet cloth to the infected ear. Ear drops can be purchased at the local pharmacy and prescription drops can be acquired from your doctor.
Simple pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to treat any discomfort until the condition is cleared up.
A visit to an ENT specialist is required if the symptoms don’t clear up on their own. Antibiotics can be used to address these more serious issues. Ear infections in young children are frequently treated with antibiotics to ensure the issue is cleared up quickly and thoroughly.
When to See an ENT Specialist
Symptoms lasting for longer than a day should be addressed by a professional. A child under 6 months should always be taken to the doctor when they seem to be suffering from an ear infection. And severe ear pain should not be left to clear up on its own. Seek treatment from a professional to stave off the possibility of long-term damage.
