Ear Infections symptoms can vary, but some of the most common are pain in the ear, drainage, hearing loss and a buildup of fluid.
Pain in the ear can be relieved by over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can also apply a warm compress to the ear to dull pain.
If the ear pain is more severe, you can take your child to see a doctor. A GP will check the ear to see if the infection is causing problems. They may also use an otoscope to look inside the ear.
The eardrum is the thin membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear. It is lined with nerves that send electrical signals to the brain, which allows us to hear. When an eardrum gets infected, it becomes very sensitive to pressure from the fluid behind it. This can cause pain, ringing in the ears, fever and difficulty hearing.
It can also lead to a condition called chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). COME is a long-term problem that causes the buildup of fluid in the middle ear and is most common in young children.
This fluid builds up and prevents the middle ear from getting rid of bacteria, resulting in repeated infections. The infection spreads from the eardrum to the middle ear, which can cause problems with hearing.
Symptoms of an ear infection can last for weeks or months, but in most cases, they clear up without treatment. However, if they become recurring, the doctor might recommend a surgical procedure to insert tubes in your ear canal.
Repeated ear infections are more likely to develop in young children and adults with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma. The immune system is less strong in people with these illnesses, so they are more prone to ear infections.
Colds and flu can also cause ear infections in adults. These illnesses can increase mucus in the nose and throat, which makes it harder for the eustachian tubes to drain the fluid from the middle ear.
If you have a cold or flu, try to limit your exposure to other sick people. This can help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your risk of developing a more serious ear infection.
You can also help prevent ear infections by keeping your child’s ear canal clean. Using cotton swabs to clean the ear can help keep dirt and debris from accumulating. It can also help avoid a buildup of earwax, which is a major cause of ear infections.
Inflammation of the eardrum is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, but sometimes it can be caused by a buildup of earwax or teething in babies. The eardrum will swell and form small blisters, which can be quite painful.
If your child’s ear infection is not treated, it can lead to a serious condition called mastoiditis. Mastoiditis is a rare complication that occurs when an infection in the middle ear (otitis media) spreads to the bone that protrudes behind your ear (the mastoid). The condition can result in fever, a red and swollen area over the mastoid, pus discharge from the ear and intense pain. If left untreated, mastoiditis can lead to the development of pus-filled cysts that are prone to infection.
