Ear infections - ENT South West

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.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 48 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Brad Fisher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a procedure with Mr Khatwa to reduce snoring, service was excellent throughout and was happy with the results
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tanja Buys 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tanja Cerff(married name) Dr Khatwa is a kind, caring doctor who saved the day for me! After a long standing issue, Dr Khatwa identified the issue and corrrected it right there and then. He is a wonderful doctor that I highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Chatting 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent kind and effective care!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Paterson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After several years of suffering frequent nose bleeds Mr Khatwa managed to solve the issue during my initial consultation with him.
He was very kind, calm and a good listener.
Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Thompson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Surgeon was mr Khatwa he was very friendly and put me at ease I would definitely recommend him to anyone so nice and very professional
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashley Miller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The service provided by Mr Mohamed Khatwa at Nuffield Plymouth was exceptional having been messed about by the NHS for 3 years with multiple other consultants and having had surgery’s cancelled on the day of surgery. From the initial consultation Mr Khatwa explained the full procedure in detail explaining all of the procedure and providing diagrams. The day of surgery came and all went smoothly. Mr Khatwa has a very calm relaxed approach which leads you to feel relaxed and reassured I would recommend his services to anyone that needed it
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Roger Gillett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Khatwa immediately put me at my ease. With a kind and very professional manner, Mr Khatwa conducted a thorough examination, identified the cause and carried out the procedure there and then.
After a follow up visit, all has healed very well. The whole experience has been excellent. We are very privileged to have seen Mr Khatwa who is a true gentleman.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently underwent sinus surgery at Nuffield Health Exeter under the care of Mr Khatwa, and the entire experience was outstanding. From the initial consultation through to post-operative care, the process was seamless and handled with professionalism and compassion. Mr Khatwa and the whole team were exemplary throughout, and I felt well informed and supported at every stage. I would highly recommend Mr Khatwa and the team at Nuffield Health Exeter.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carolyn Harris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can highly recommend Mr Khatwa as a  very professional and friendly ENT consultant.  He takes the time to explain the required procedures and points out the problem areas from xrays .
Having suffered from loss of taste and smell for over 20years, I now have both senses which is very life enhancing and I  cannot thank him enough.  (I had nasal polyps removed and a sinus endoscpy)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James Maunder 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, prompt and effective service. Dr Mohamed A Khatwa was excellent.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Leave us a review

Brad Fisher

I had a procedure with Mr Khatwa to reduce snoring, service was excellent throughout and was happy with the results

Tanja Buys

Tanja Cerff(married name) Dr Khatwa is a kind, caring doctor who saved the day for me! After a long standing issue, Dr Khatwa identified the issue and corrrected it right there and then. He is a wonderful doctor that I highly recommend!

Alan Chatting

Excellent kind and effective care!

Robert Paterson

After several years of suffering frequent nose bleeds Mr Khatwa managed to solve the issue during my initial consultation with him. He was very kind, calm and a good listener. Highly recommended

Karen Thompson

My Surgeon was mr Khatwa he was very friendly and put me at ease I would definitely recommend him to anyone so nice and very professional

Ashley Miller

The service provided by Mr Mohamed Khatwa at Nuffield Plymouth was exceptional having been messed about by the NHS for 3 years with multiple other consultants and having had surgery’s cancelled on the day of surgery. From the initial consultation Mr Khatwa explained the full procedure in detail explaining all of the procedure and providing diagrams. The day of surgery came and all went smoothly. Mr Khatwa has a very calm relaxed approach which leads you to feel relaxed and reassured I would recommend his services to anyone that needed it

Roger Gillett

Mr Khatwa immediately put me at my ease. With a kind and very professional manner, Mr Khatwa conducted a thorough examination, identified the cause and carried out the procedure there and then. After a follow up visit, all has healed very well. The whole experience has been excellent. We are very privileged to have seen Mr Khatwa who is a true gentleman.

Nick L

I recently underwent sinus surgery at Nuffield Health Exeter under the care of Mr Khatwa, and the entire experience was outstanding. From the initial consultation through to post-operative care, the process was seamless and handled with professionalism and compassion. Mr Khatwa and the whole team were exemplary throughout, and I felt well informed and supported at every stage. I would highly recommend Mr Khatwa and the team at Nuffield Health Exeter.

Carolyn Harris

I can highly recommend Mr Khatwa as a very professional and friendly ENT consultant. He takes the time to explain the required procedures and points out the problem areas from xrays . Having suffered from loss of taste and smell for over 20years, I now have both senses which is very life enhancing and I cannot thank him enough. (I had nasal polyps removed and a sinus endoscpy)

James Maunder

Professional, prompt and effective service. Dr Mohamed A Khatwa was excellent.

Verified by Trustindex

Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more