Ear infections are prevalent across all age groups, though children are affected more often than adults. Most of the time these infections are mild and can be treated by a general physician with antibiotics and painkillers.
However, sometimes the infection can be severe and associated with potentially dangerous complications.
There are different types of ear infections based on their nature and location.
Middle ear infection: It is an infection in the middle ear.
Otitis media with effusion: When there is fluid build-up in the middle ear without being infected and without causing fever, ear pain, or pus.
Swimmer’s ear: When the outer ear canal is infected. This infection is also called otitis externa.
Pinna or auricular infections: Pinna is the outermost part of the ear. These infections are rare and are generally secondary to trauma.
Inner ear infection: Inner ear infections are mostly due to viruses. Bacterial infections are uncommon and are generally seen due to the spread of infection from the middle ear.
Let us now look in detail at the causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention of ear infections.
Causes of Ear Infection
Ear infection can occur due to a wide variety of reasons. Some of the common causes are:
Blockage on the eustachian tubes (a narrow passage permitting the balance of pressure on each side of the eardrum)
Repeated ear picking and earbud use
Ear trauma, untreated cold/flu or viral illness
Chronic allergic rhinitis (runny nose), persistent nasal blockage, and sinus infections
Diabetes
Swimming
Smoking
Risk Factors of Ear Infection
Some of the common risk factors that play a vital role in ear infections are:
Season: Autumn and winter are the two seasons where the rate of ear infections is much more. Moreover, during this time, seasonal allergies also increase due to high pollen count.
Age: Children under two years are more vulnerable to ear infections than adults. It is mainly due to the size of their eustachian tubes and because their immune system is not completely developed.
Cleft palate: Cleft palate (opening or split in the roof of the mouth) increases the chances of nose and sinus infections which in turn increases the chance of ear infection.
Smoking: Smoking can lead to eustachian tube dysfunction and increase the chances of ear infections.
Symptoms of Ear Infection
The symptoms of ear infection depend on the part of the ear which has got infected and also on the organism (bacterial vs fungal) causing the infection.
Let us look at each one of them.
1. Pinna or Auricular Infections
Visible swelling over the pinna
Pain over the affected part
Discolouration of the skin over the infected area
Pinna disfigurement in long-standing cases
2. External Ear Infections
Severe pain in the ear
Dry skin
Itching in the ear
Inflammation in the ear canal
Discharge exuding from the ear
Decreased hearing or blocking sensation in the ear
3. Middle Ear Infections
Acute middle ear infection
Intense pain in the initial stage. It reduces after the ear discharge starts.
Difficulty with hearing (mild to moderate hearing loss).
Blocked ear.
Ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus).
Fluid/blood-stained pus drainage from the ear.
Occasionally precedes an episode of cold and fever.
Chronic middle ear infection
Repeated episodes of ear discharge coincide with the episodes of common cold or flu.
Hole or perforation in the eardrum.
Persistent decrease in hearing.
Sticky or foul-smelling pus discharge from the ear.
Pain in the ear when there is an associated fungal infection.
4. Inner Ear Infections
Sudden onset hearing loss.
Sudden onset inability to maintain balance.
Sudden onset difficulty in walking without support.
Severe vertigo (a sensation of whirling and loss of balance).
Tinnitus.
Profuse and repeated vomiting.
Headache.
Pain in the ear or behind the ear (not common).
Facial paralysis (rarely).
Treatment of Ear Infections
The treatment of ear infections depends on the type and location of the infection.
Middle ear infections
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be taken orally and some can be applied directly to the site of the infection. To manage the symptoms, you may also be given pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Outer ear infections
Depending on the causative agent, drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are given if there is a bacterial infection.
Specific measures may be required depending on the type if you have a viral infection. You may need irrigation in your ear (ear cleansing to remove wax build-up) or might just have to wait for the infection to resolve itself.
Preventive Measures For Ear Infections
Multiple preventive tips can be followed to reduce the chances of ear infections. They are:
Avoid the use of earbuds to clean wax.
Do not attempt self-cleaning of the ear deep inside the ear canal. See your ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) if you are prone to wax accumulation.
Consult your ENT if you have frequent itching in the ear. Frequent itching in the ear will damage the skin of the ear canal and also increase the chance of wax accumulation.
Do not ignore the common cold and flu. Untreated colds increase your chances of ear infections.
Get treated for your nasal blockage or deviated nasal septum, if any.
Getting proper treatment can eliminate the risk of developing complications from ear infections. If you notice any of the symptoms of an ear infection, consult your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.