Ear Infections Overview

Ear infections are primarily of two types: acute and chronic. Acute infections are immediate in origin, while chronic ones are those which are developed over a course of time. Ear infections can be classified as: otitis externa i.e. infections that affect the external ear; otitis media are infections that affect the middle ear; and otitis interna are infections that affect the internal ear.

Generally, otitis media is the most prevalent form of ear infections recurring in the population. The disease can affect both adults and children. But, children are at a higher risk of catching the infection. The reason lies in the anatomical difference between children and adults. The eustachian tube, which connects the ear to throat, is straight and short in children, rendering them susceptible to infections occurring in oropharyngeal system of the body.

The primary cause of the ear infections is exposure to seasonal cold and flu. The other factors are sinusitis, exposure to tobacco smoke, various allergies, etc. The primary associative symptom of the disease is pain. Pain can be so excruciating that it may interfere with the normal sleeping pattern. Fever may also occur in some cases, though the intensity is generally mild to moderate. In some cases, high grade fever may also be noticed. Discharge from the ear is also a common complaint. The discharge can be a clear fluid or yellowish green in appearance. It may be associated with pus. Discharge is generally accompanied with perforation in tympanic membrane of the ear. But, this again results in relief from excessive pain and heaviness in ear. A mild hearing loss is also noticed in the affected ear. A patient may also complain of heaviness in ear and associated headache. Vertigo is one of the main symptoms in internal ear infections.

Diagnosis is generally based on the history narrated by the patient or the care taker in case the patient is a child. The doctor then concludes the result after examining the ear with an otoscope. Following immunization schedule properly and avoiding exposure to cold and flu may help in prevention of the disease. Besides this, maintaining good standards of personal hygiene also help control the spread of the disease.

Most of these infections are self limiting in nature and they heal on their own. But, certain cases may require medical intervention and proper follow up. The condition is curable with modern day medications. Analgesics are generally prescribed for symptomatic relief from fever and pain. Antibiotics are also administered in patients suffering from severe pain and high fever along with purulent discharge from the ear. Warm application of water bottle or cloth in the affected ear may help in momentary relief from pain. Rest is advised to the patient for early recovery. Surgical treatment is sometimes carried out for removal of adenoids and insertion of drainage tubes depending on the severity of disease and the overall health of the patient.