The way a person becomes infected will often determine the kind of infection they get. People with weakened immune systems or inflammation in the structures of the ear may be more prone to ear infections than others.
Diabetes is another risk factor that can make someone more likely to have ear infections. People with chronic skin conditions, including eczema or psoriasis , may be prone to outer ear infections, as well. The common cold, flu , and allergies can lead to middle ear infections. Other upper respiratory problems, such as sinus or throat infections, can lead to middle ear infections, as the bacteria make their way through the connected passageways and into the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes connect from the ear to the nose and throat and are responsible for controlling the pressure in the ear.
Their position makes them easy targets for germs. Infected eustachian tubes can swell and prevent proper drainage, which works toward the symptoms of middle ear infections. People who spend a lot of time in water may be more at risk of developing this type of outer ear infection. Water that sits in the ear canal after swimming or bathing creates a perfect place for germs to multiply.
For this reason, untreated water may be more likely to cause an outer ear infection. A doctor should typically be seen if symptoms have not improved within 3 days. If new symptoms occur, such as a fever or loss of balance, a doctor should be seen immediately. They will ask about any symptoms that have occurred, as well as any medications that a person takes. The doctor may use an instrument called an otoscope to look at the eardrum and ear canal for signs of infection.
This procedure may be accompanied by a small puff of air. Doctors will check the way that the eardrum reacts to having air pushed against it, which can help diagnose a middle ear infection. Depending on the cause, some infections will clear up without treatment.
Symptoms may be managed during this time, and a doctor might recommend other treatments to speed up the healing process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , using antibiotics by mouth to treat ear infections may not be recommended in certain cases of middle and outer ear infections. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection, along with other health problems a person may have.
Antibiotics are not effective against ear infections caused by viruses. Prescription eardrops may be the way a doctor will treat some ear infections. Prescription eardrops can also sometimes be used to treat pain symptoms. Drugs, including acetaminophen Tylenol and ibuprofen Advil , help many adults with ear infections treat the pain associated with the accompanying inflammation. Tylenol and Advil are avalable to purchase online, and other brands are available.
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The fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow in this fluid. The bacteria and viruses cause the middle-ear infection. These symptoms may be the same as for other conditions. If you have a high fever, severe pain behind your ear, or paralysis in your face, see your provider as soon as you can. Your health care provider will take a medical history and do a physical exam.
He or she will look at the outer ear and eardrum with an otoscope. The otoscope is a lighted tool that lets your provider see inside the ear. A pneumatic otoscope blows a puff of air into the ear to check how well your eardrum moves.
Your provider may also do a test called tympanometry. This test tells how well the middle ear is working. It can find any changes in pressure in the middle ear. Your provider may test your hearing with a tuning fork. Your health care provider may also have you try autoinsufflation. This helps adjust the air pressure in your ear.
For this, you pinch your nose and gently exhale. This forces air back through the eustachian tube. Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder in which a nerve that detects head movement becomes inflamed. A middle ear infection otitis media occurs when a virus or bacteria cause inflammation in the area behind the eardrum. It is most common in children. A clogged ear may not cause pain, but muffled sounds and straining to hear can be a real nuisance.
We'll tell you the possible causes. A double ear infection can be more serious than an ear infection in one ear. Learn the difference and how to treat a double ear infection. An outer ear infection is an infection of the outer opening of the ear and the ear canal, which connects the outside of the ear to the eardrum. It is…. Your doctor will need to help you treat it. Here's what you need to know about the possible causes of ear bleeding.
You should call your doctor if you're bleeding from your ear. Ear infections are often difficult to treat, and natural remedies can be hard to trust. Can essential oils be used to clear up an ear infection? When protocol isn't followed, or if you don't follow post-piercing cleaning instructions closely enough, infection can occur. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Overview Ear infections may be more common in children than in adults, but grown-ups are still susceptible to these infections.
Risk factors. Seeing a doctor. Read this next. Eardrum Rupture. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, MD. Middle Ear Infection Otitis Media.
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