Ear Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an infection most often caused by bacteria or viruses. This infection involves the middle ear, which is the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains tiny vibrating bones.
Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. This condition often causes pain due to inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.
Because ear infections can subside on their own, treatment generally begins with overcoming the pain that occurs and monitoring the course of the disease. Ear infections in infants and severe cases may require treatment with antibiotics if bacterial causes are suspected.
Long-term problems associated with this infection, such as fluid accumulation in the middle ear, persistent infections, or frequent infections, can cause hearing loss and other complications.
Symptom
The onset of signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection is generally rapid. In children, the most common signs and symptoms are:
- Pain in the ear, especially when lying down
- Often pulls ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Crying more than usual
- Seemed fussier than usual
- Difficulty hearing or showing a response to sound
- Loss of balance
- Fever with a body temperature of 38°C or more
- There is fluid coming out of the ear
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
In adults, signs and symptoms that are quite common are:
- Pain in the ear
- There is fluid coming out of the ear
- Decreased ability to hear
Reason
Middle ear infections are generally caused by bacteria or viruses that attack the middle ear. These infections are often the result of other illnesses, such as respiratory infections or allergies, which cause congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat or ears.
Some of the risk factors for ear infections are:
- Age. Children aged 6 months to 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of the eustachian tubes in the ears and their immature immune system.
- Ambient air quality. Exposure to cigarette smoke or heavy air pollution can increase the risk of developing ear infections.
- Season factor. Ear infections are more common in seasons when coughs and colds are more common.
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of middle ear infection based on medical interviews, physical examination, and certain supporting examinations.
The use of an otoscope, which is an examination tool to look inside the ear, will help the doctor in the examination process. This tool can help see the integrity of the eardrum, the presence of fluid, and so on.
Some other supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
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Tympanometry
This examination measures the movement of the eardrum. This tool provides an overview of the pressure in the middle ear.
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Acoustic reflectometry
This examination measures the amount of sound emitted by an instrument that is reflected back by the eardrum.
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Tympanocentesis
This rare examination uses a small tube inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear
Treatment
Some cases of middle ear infections can subside without treatment with antibiotics. However, the treatment of this condition depends on various factors, including the child’s age and the degree of severity of the disease.
Some of the common handling methods are:
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Observational approach
Signs and symptoms of ear infections generally improve in the first two days, and most ear infections clear up on their own within a week or two without treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend an observational approach to the treatment of children 6 to 23 months of age, with mild ear pain in one ear. Pain usually lasts for less than 48 hours with a body temperature of less than 39°C.
In children aged 24 months or older, observation can be made of children with mild ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a body temperature of less than 39°C.
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Overcome pain
The doctor will suggest giving treatment to treat pain due to ear infections. Treatment for pain can be in the form of applying a warm compress over the involved ear using a warm towel and a valley or pain medication to treat the pain.
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Treatment with antibiotics
Doctors may recommend treatment with antibiotics in children if needed.
Prevention
The following things can be done to reduce the risk of developing a middle ear infection:
- Prevent respiratory infections and other diseases. Teach children to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly, and not eating and drinking utensils.
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Make sure that no one is smoking around you.
- Give breast milk to children. If possible, give exclusive breastfeeding to children for the first 6 months of life. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect against ear infections.