What are ear infections?

An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation of the middle ear. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum. Ear infections are most common in children, but they can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of ear infections:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• Hearing loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability (in babies and young children)

How ear infections affect people:

Ear infections can be painful and uncomfortable. They can also interfere with sleep and hearing. In severe cases, ear infections can lead to complications such as mastoiditis (an infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear) and meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

Common conditions and problems for people with ear infections:

• Otitis media with effusion (OME): OME is a condition in which fluid builds up behind the eardrum without infection. OME is common in children and can cause hearing loss.
• Chronic otitis media (COM): COM is a long-term infection of the middle ear. COM can cause damage to the eardrum and hearing loss.
• Cholesteatoma: Cholesteatoma is a growth of skin cells in the middle ear. Cholesteatoma can damage the eardrum and hearing bones.

Why do people get ear infections?

Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacteria can enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube, which is a tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Viruses can enter the middle ear through the bloodstream or from an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu.

Genetics, lifestyle, and disease:

Genetics, lifestyle, and disease can all play a role in the development of ear infections.

• Genetics: Ear infections tend to run in families, suggesting that there is a genetic component to the condition.
• Lifestyle: Exposure to cigarette smoke can increase the risk of ear infections in children.
• Disease: Certain diseases, such as cleft palate and Down syndrome, can increase the risk of developing ear infections.

Who gets ear infections?

Ear infections are most common in children under the age of 3, but they can affect people of all ages. Children are at increased risk for ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower than adults' eustachian tubes. This makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the middle ear.

How are ear infections diagnosed?

Ear infections are usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination. Mr Khatwa will look at the eardrum with an otoscope, which is a lighted instrument. Mr Khatwa may also order a hearing test.

Diagnosis and treatment:

Once Mr Khatwa has diagnosed an ear infection, he will develop a treatment plan. The treatment plan will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the person.

Some common treatment options for ear infections include:

• Medications: Antibiotics are used to treat ear infections caused by bacteria. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to relieve pain and fever.
• Ear tubes: Ear tubes are small tubes that are placed in the eardrum to help drain fluid and prevent ear infections. Ear tubes are often recommended for children with frequent or chronic ear infections.

Lifestyle changes:

There are a few lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the risk of ear infections:

• Avoid exposing children to cigarette smoke.
• Keep children's ears dry.
• Vaccinate children against the flu and pneumonia.

If you think you or your child may have an ear infection get in touch and we can diagnose the infection and develop a treatment plan that is right for you or your child.