What is ear infection?
An ear infection occurs when a virus or bacteria causes inflammation behind the eardrum. This problem is common in children. Ear infection is also called otitis media. The problem of ear infection usually occurs in the winter season or early spring.
However, sometimes ear infections get better without any medicine. But if the ear pain is persistent or the person has a fever, then it is necessary to treat the ear infection. If the problem gets worse then it can become a serious situation for you. Therefore, it is necessary to treat it in time. It also has some symptoms, if you pay attention to it, you can understand its initial condition.
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How common is ear infection?
Ear infection is a common problem. It has the same effect in both men and women. Millions of people all over the world suffer from ear infections. This problem can happen to a person of any age. Generally, 80 percent of children by the age of 3 suffer from ear infections . Contact your doctor for more information.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of ear infection?
A person suffering from ear infection has to face other problems including ear pain. Over time, these symptoms appear due to ear infection:
- irritability
- pain in ear
- Insomnia
- ear strain
- fever
- yellow or bloody discharge from the ear
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- hearing loss
- diarrhea
- Headache
Sometimes some people do not have any of these symptoms and suddenly there is a severe itching feeling in the ear for some time.
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When should I see the doctor?
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, see a doctor. If symptoms of ear infection last for more than a day or if these symptoms appear in a child under 6 months of age, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Apart from this, it is necessary to get immediate treatment even if there is severe pain in the ear or there is pus. Ear infections can have a different effect on everyone's body. Therefore, for any situation, talk to your doctor.
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cause
What is the cause of ear infection?
Ear infections are caused by bacterial or virus infection in the middle ear. This infection is usually caused due to problems like cold , flu, allergies which lead to swelling of the nose, throat and Eustachian tube. Ear infections in children occur for many reasons. The respiratory system of children is already infected and then there is infection in the ear as well. Bacteria develop in the form of fluid in children's ears, which leads to ear pain and infection.
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risk
What problems can I have with an ear infection?
Rare is a problem due to ear infection. But if the ear infection happens repeatedly then it can cause serious problems. The infection can spread to the bones of the ear. In addition , there can also be an infection in the brain and spinal cord . Some people may have deafness which may never be cured. Apart from this, ear infection can cause rupture of the eardrum. Contact your doctor for more information.
Read more: Know why your ear is itchy?
remedy
Do not take the information provided here as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for more details.
How are ear infections diagnosed?
To diagnose ear infection, the doctor examines the body and also checks the patient's health history. The doctor then examines the patient's eardrum for redness, swelling, pus and fluid with an otoscope. Some tests are done to know this problem:
- The tympanometry test is used to find out whether the patient's ear is working properly or not.
- Acoustic reflectometry test examines the fluid in the middle of the ear to see if the sound is being reflected back from the eardrum.
Audiologists examine the ear for fluid accumulation or infection in children's ears. In addition, speech therapists and developmental therapists test the patient's hearing, speech and language.
How are ear infections treated?
There are many options for treating ear infections. Some therapies and medicines reduce the effect of ear infection in a person. There are two types of medications used to treat ear infections:
- First of all, medicines are given to relieve ear pain, such as- acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
- Eardrops are inserted to remove bacteria and viruses present in the eardrum.
Apart from this, antibiotics and fever medicines are given to the patient, which eliminates the ear infection. Also, making lifestyle changes also reduces its risk. If the ear infection has become very severe, then ear surgery is the only option left.
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Home remedies
What are the lifestyle changes that can help me cure an ear infection?
If you have an ear infection, your doctor will recommend good hygiene and good habits. Along with this, you will also advise to clean your hands properly, not to share food and drinking utensils with others. Apart from this, you should not smoke and should not bottle feed the baby for the first 6 months. To avoid this problem, all necessary vaccinations should be done.
You should contact your doctor in this regard. Because only after seeing your health condition, the doctor can tell you the treatment.
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