Although ear infections are more common in children than adults, there are still chances that adults might get an ear infection. However, unlike minor ear infections in children, adults may face more problematic situations. Dr S. N. Kulharia, a senior ENT doctor in Jodhpur, says that ear infections in adults are often the sign of an underlying condition, which may be concerning on many levels. It is important to not take a situation like this lightly.
If any symptoms or situations persist with continued bouts of pain, it is important to see a doctor immediately. So here is everything that one must know about ear infections in adults.
Types of Ear Infection and their Symptoms
There are mainly 3 areas in the ear that are susceptible to an infection, which also means that there are 3 types of ear infections that one should be concerned about.
Inner Ear Infection: An inner ear infection is often associated with inflammation and is usually not considered a real infection. Symptoms for such a condition are:
Ear Pain
Dizziness
Nauseated feeling
Vomiting
In many cases of inflammation of the inner ear, doctors even check for meningitis, which is a serious condition of the brain.
Middle Ear Infection: The middle ear is the region right behind the eardrum, which can develop an infection called the otitis media. This infection is caused by the fluid trapped behind the eardrums, which may result in the bulging of the drum and occasional drainage of fluid from the ear. Other symptoms include:
Ear Pain
Feeling of ear being full
Fluid drainage
Fever
Trouble hearing
Outer Ear Infection: The part from the eardrum to the ear that extends out of the head is called the outer ear. An infection in this area is called the otitis externa. It often starts with an itchy rash in the ear, with the symptoms then developing into the following:
Pain
Tenderness
Redness
Swelling
Cause of Ear Infections
One of the major reasons for developing an ear infection is bacterial action in the ear. However, different infections of the ear depending on how the person actually got infected.
Middle Ear Infection
The most common cause for a middle ear infection can be a cold or respiratory problem. The infection actually moves from the upper throat or the nasal cavity through the eustachian tubes and into the middle ear. The eustachian tubes regulate the pressure in the ear and are connected to the throat and the nose of a person. Irritation of these tubes may cause them to swell and cause difficulty in their drainage. The resulting fluid build-up can then put pressure on the eardrum.
Outer Ear Infection
Also sometimes called the swimmer's ears, outer ear infections often occur due to the water that remains in the ear after a swim or bath. The humid conditions then become a great place for bacteria to breed in. Scratching the ear with a finger or any object irritates ear lining, thus resulting in an infection.
Treatment of Ear Infection
Treatment of the ear infection depends on the cause and region of the ear infection. In most cases of ear infection, antibiotics usually do the trick.
Middle Ear Infection
Antibiotics, for ingestion and for topical application may be prescribed. Apart from these, other pain medications may be prescribed to keep the symptoms in check. For countering the cause of the infection, doctors will also advise decongestant, nasal steroids, or an antihistamine to the patient. According to the ENT doctors at the top private hospital in Jodhpur, a technique called auto-insufflation is a great way to get some relief. The patients are instructed to squeeze their nose, close their mouth, and very gently exhale, thus pushing the air through the eustachian tubes, draining them effectively.
Outer Ear Infection
Cleaning the ear is a great way to begin, which must be followed by applying antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications on the ear. For bacterial infections, doctors often prescribe antibiotics, while for viral infections; it is usually advised to tend to the irritation while the issue solves itself.
Preventing Ear Infections
One of the most important factors in getting relief from ear infections is to avoid them altogether. Here are a few precautions that can go a long way in preventing ear infections.
Keep the ears clean by washing them and cleaning with a clean swab or q-tip.
Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
Manage allergies by avoiding triggers and staying on top of medication schedules
Wash hands and avoid people who have allergies or respiratory problems
Stay on top of the vaccination schedules
Follow these religiously and notice the difference yourself. All this can go a long way in preventing painful situations like ear infections.
Comments