Ear Infection 

Ear Infection Treatment in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

An ear infection is most commonly seen in children and youngsters. In most acute cases, ear infection, known as otitis media, can be treated with proper care. To seek treatment, you can consult an ENT specialist near you or an ENT hospital near you. 

What is ear infection? 

Ear infections occur due to bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear, which is behind the eardrum. When there is inflammation or excess fluid buildup thereby putting pressure on the middle ear, ear infection develops.   

What are the types of ear infections? 

Acute otitis media (AOM): it is the most common and least serious ear infection which stays for a very short duration and is often caused by a common cold or allergy. 

Otitis media with effusion (OME): It is a condition in which pain occurs in-ear due to the remains of the fluid caused by infection.

Chronic otitis media with effusion: it is a condition in which you may feel frequent inflammation in your ear due to bacterial or viral infection in the fluid build-up. 

What are the common symptoms? 

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Acute or severe ear pain 
• Inflammation inside the ear 
• Pressure inside the ear 
• Partial or complete hearing loss 
• Discharge of fluid from ear 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Loss of balance 
• Vertigo 
• Nasal congestion 
• Nausea 

What causes ear infection?

• Severe common cold
• Severe or mild allergies
• Excess build-up of mucus leading to blockage of eustachian tubes
• Sinus infections
• Respiratory infection
• Adenoids that can trap bacteria and lead to infection and inflammation in eustachian tubes

When do you need to see a doctor?

When you are experiencing severe ear pain and fluid discharge, consult an ENT doctor immediately. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the tests needed?

Specialists will use an instrument called an otoscope to identify the infection. If the condition is more severe, then they will advise you to take other tests like Tympanometry, Acoustic Reflectometry, Tympanocentesis and CT scan for detailed diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

In some cases, a specialist may ask you to wait and observe till the symptoms disappear. If symptoms don't disappear or you are showing severe symptoms, then the following options may be suggested:

Medication: Doctors will prescribe antibiotics to manage your pain.

Treatment through ear tubes: When your ear pain recurs or you are suffering from long-term chronic otitis media and medication is no longer effective, then your ENT specialist may recommend myringotomy surgery. It is a small surgical procedure in which, with the help of tympanostomy, tubes are placed to prevent the build-up of fluids.

Conclusion

With proper care and taking the medications prescribed, an ear infection may be cured completely. Delaying the treatment may lead to hearing loss.