What are ear infections?
An ear infection, or acute otitis media, is caused by a virus or bacteria entering your middle ear behind the eardrum and multiplying. The infection often starts during or after a respiratory tract infection or when other conditions cause swelling and congestion in your nasal passages and throat.
The middle ear is a hollow space that contains tiny bones essential to your hearing. It’s connected to the back of your throat by the eustachian tubes, a pair of narrow channels that regulate air pressure and facilitate drainage of fluids out of the middle ear.
Blockage of the eustachian tubes leads to fluids being unable to drain, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses that cause the symptoms of an ear infection.
Children are more prone to ear infections than adults, and often become severely distressed due to the pain caused by the inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
Ear infections are frequently painful, and the pain may be severe. Other symptoms may include:
- Ear pain that worsens when lying down
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty hearing
- Loss of balance
- Fluid leaking from the ear
- A headache
Children with an ear infection are often irritable and weepy, and may pull or rub their ear. They may also have a fever above 100ºF.
When should I see a doctor about an ear infection?
Ear infections often clear up on their own, but you should contact Dr. Ehrhard in the following situations:
- Symptoms persist more than one day
- Pain in the ear is severe
- Your child is under 6 months old
- Your baby or toddler has a respiratory tract infection and isn’t sleeping
- There is fluid, blood, or pus leaking from the ear
An adult with ear pain or fluid coming out of their ear should seek immediate medical advice.
What treatments are available for ear infections?
In the first instance, you can take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications, or give your child pain-relieving medicine. Dr. Ehrhard may prescribe antibiotics or a procedure called a myringotomy to drain fluid from the middle ear, depending on the cause of the infection and age of the patient.
To discuss your child’s ear infections or get treatment for your own painful ear problems, call the office of Dr. Robert A. Ehrhard, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.
