Ear infections are among the most common illnesses children develop. Though adults can have their share of them, they are more common in kids. When adults develop ear infections, they can be a bit more serious. To avoid complications, adult ear infections should be closely monitored and diagnosed by an ENT doctor. Today, we the ENT Specialists would like to continue to discuss the basics of adult ear infections.
Though it can be tricky, recognizing the signs of a developing ear infection can be a little easier if you learn the early symptoms they are reoccurring. Being delicate in nature, there are several chambers that an ear infection can develop; the inner, middle and outer ear chambers.
Some symptoms include the following:
– Tenderness
– Swelling
– Nausea
– Inflammation
– Hearing loss
– Headache
– Fever
– Balance issues
Though it’s a sign of something more serious than an infection; usually a perforated eardrum, sometimes there can be discharge coming from the ear. Should you notice blood or discharge coming from the ear, it is vital you schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor. Where each infection being different, there are a variety of diseases that occur in each chamber of the ear.
When viruses or other bacteria that affect the eyes, mouth and nose get trapped here, infections begin in the eardrum is located just in front of the middle ear. Those who have a middle ear infection have trouble with their hearing due to a fluid buildup in the back behind the drum and the ears feel clogged. The pressure from the building fluid pushes on the eardrum and fluid can drain from the ear itself.
Beginning with a rash on the outside of the ear, the outer ear infection can be itchy on the external ear canal. Because of the itchy nature, the rash is a balanced breeding ground for germs to build, creating the outer ear infections. The most common symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, and red skin related to outer ear injuries, irritation and infection.
In three days have passed without improvement in your symptoms as well as if you start to lose your balance, do so right away. Depending on the diagnosis of the ear infection dictates treatment. In many cases, the ear infection clears up on its own and some cases an antibiotic treatment is all that is needed. To manage the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an occasional pain killer, rest and fluids. Most ear infections can be treated with over-the-counter-medication and perhaps the prescribed antibiotic in addition to home care methods such as ear drops and warm compresses.
To prevent ear infection there are a few life changes that can help like stop smoking and be sure to clean the outer ear after bathing, without putting anything inside your ear. Keeping it clean and preventing bacteria from building up goes a long way in preventing an ear infection.
If you believe you have an ear infection, or any of your children, contact the ENT Specialists and let our experts assist you with diagnosis and treatment plans.
