Ear Infection

Ear Infection Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Ear infections are infamous for being painful and uncomfortable. These infections are caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the inner ear. This infection causes fluid to build up in your ear, making it painful and causing discomfort.
Doctors prescribe ear drops to clear the ears and pain medication to help with the pain caused by an infection.

What is Ear Infection?

An ear infection occurs when a bacteria or virus enters the ear, especially the middle ear and inner ear, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes, fever and inflammation.
Cold is not the only way to get an ear infection. Seasonal changes and allergies can also cause ear infections. Ear infections range from acute to chronic.

Types of Ear Infections

Ear infections are of two types. They are:

• Otitis Externa - This is a type of ear infection where the infection occurs between the outer ear and eardrum. This kind of infection is usually caused by coming in contact with dirty water. 
• Otitis Media - This type of ear infection is caused by an infection in the middle ear. This is usually caused by a cold, often seen in children. This infection blocks the ear and causes great discomfort. 
• Acute Mastoiditis - The bone outside your ear is called mastoid, and an infection of this bone results in mastoiditis. This results in red and swollen skin, high fever, and pus in the ear. 

What are the Symptoms of Ear Infection?

The symptoms that indicate ear infections are: 

• Pain in the middle or inner ear
• Pus coming out of your ear
• Irritability
• Problem hearing
• Pressure in the ear
• Trouble sleeping
• The ear is swollen and red
• Itching of the ear

Causes of Ear Infection

Ear infections are not just caused by seasonal flu or cold. It is caused by the following too:

• Sinus
• Having a small Eustachian tube
• Genetic syndromes like Down Syndrome and Cleft Palate
• Dirty water entering the ear
• Too much cleaning of the ear can result in scratches
• Change in air pressure
• Accumulation of mucus

When to See a Doctor?

Ear infections happen quite often, and they are mild in nature. Ear infections go away on their own in 2 to 3 days. But if your infection is causing you intense discomfort, it is time you visit your ENT specialist if you experience the following things:

• A very high fever of 102°F or more
• Feel nauseous
• Feel dizzy
• If you experience difficulty hearing
• Blood or pus coming out of your ear

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How Can We Prevent Ear Infection?

Can ear infections be prevented? Absolutely and easily so! Following a few easy steps can go a long way in preventing ear infections. Simple measures like washing your ears regularly and drying them off completely, cleaning out the wax from inside your ear, and washing your hands regularly go a long way in keeping your ears healthy.

How is Ear Infection Diagnosed?

A visit to your nearest ENT specialist will make diagnosing your infection easier. During the checkup, the doctor will use a device to check for an ear infection. It is called an Otoscope. This device has a light with a magnifying glass that allows the doctor to check your ear. It emanates a puff of air into the ear to see whether the eardrum moves or not. If the eardrum does not move, it indicates accumulation of fluid, and as a result, it will be diagnosed as an ear infection.

How Can We Treat Ear Infections?

A mild ear infection can be easily treated by inhaling steam. If steam does not do the trick, a quick visit to your ENT specialist is required. The doctor will prescribe a set of antibiotics and pain medication to reduce the infection and the pain. 

Conclusion

Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viral infections that go inside the ear, causing a lot of pain, pus accumulation, and in some cases, high fever. Caused by not just colds, these infections also occur due to changes in air pressure, contact with dirty water, or allergies. 
A quick trip to an ENT specialist is advised if steam does not reduce the infection in a few days. The doctor will prescribe a set of antibiotics and medicines to help reduce the ear infection in no time!

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-infections#treatment

https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/ear-infection.html

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-infections

https://www.rxlist.com/quiz_ear_infection/faq.htm