One of the common issues, especially among kids, is ear infections. Ear infection is mainly linked to viruses and bacteria that happen to the middle ear. Ear infection causes can differ for anyone. It can be for getting a cold or having allergies, but in summary, it is a treatable medical condition, and there shouldn’t be any worries if you have an ear infection. So, what are ear infection types and ear infection symptoms? Let us know.
What Is an Ear Infection?
When the space behind the eardrum, which is called the middle ear, gets infected or inflamed, an ear infection happens. These infections can include bacteria or viruses that can form from a cold, flu, or even an allergy. It can cause a fluid, blocking the ear and creating pains. Research has shown that ear infections are also pretty common among kids because they have relatively smaller Eustachian tubes. These tubes are small passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. Ear infections among both kids and adults can be treated, and there are several ways that we will discuss further.
Ear Infection Types
Ear Infection Types
Ear infections are a frequent medical concern that can involve various parts of the ear. They are typically classified according to the specific area of the ear that is affected. We almost have 7 types of ear infection, which Labyrinthitis (Inner Ear Infection), Otitis Media with Effusion (OME), Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection), and Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection) are the most common ones. The other types are mainly rare cases and happen in advanced untreated situations. Each type of ear infection can have different symptoms and causes. For example, Otitis Externa is often associated with swimmers, and it is about the water that has been left in the ears.
Ear Infection Types:
- Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
- Middle Ear Fluid Buildup (Otitis Media with Effusion
- Chronic Middle Ear Infection)
- Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
- Mastoiditis (Infection Behind the Ear)
- Fungal Ear Infection (Otomycosis)
Ear Infection Symptoms
Symptoms for ear infections are varied, but nearly all share the same symptoms. Experiencing severe ear pain, especially when you touch it, is one of the common symptoms of ear infection. Kids who have middle ear infections can also experience fever and balance issues, especially if they are younger. Ear pressure, popping sounds, and hearing loss are the symptoms of Otitis Media With Effusion. Vertigo, ear drainage, itching, and redness are also some of the ear infection symptoms, which can vary based on the type of ear infection you’re dealing with.
Ear Infection Causes
Ear Infection Causes
Ear infections can affect all people. The exact causes of ear infections are linked to viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections. When bacteria travels through the Eustachian tube and enters the ear, an ear infection happens. Moreover, viruses can also enter the ear canal and cause inflammation and swelling, leading to the blocking of Eustachian tubes. The most common way that many people get ear infections is through colds, flu, or allergies.
Ear Infection Treatment
Usually, ear infections will be fixed by themselves and will take 2 to 3 days. But there are also other treatment options available for ear infections, especially if you are experiencing a severe ear infection for more than 3 days. Doctors will suggest using antibiotics. Additionally, you can also use a warm compress on your ear to reduce the pain or fasten your healing process. But overall, you won’t need anything to do if you are dealing with an ear infection, as it can go away by itself. Ear drops and ear surgeries are also useful for more advanced ear infections.
How to Fix an Ear Infection?
If you want to fix your ear infection, firstly, you should identify its type. There are different types of ear infections, and each one can be different in symptoms and treatment options. For example, an Outer Ear Infection affects the ear canal, while a middle ear infection affects the space behind the eardrum. There are some similarities and varieties among all ear infection types. Applying a warm compress and keeping the ears dry are two of the methods that will help you fix an ear infection. Besides, you can choose some antibiotics or ear drops to heal your ear infection quickly and be relieved.
See a Doctor about an Ear Infection
When Should You See a Doctor about an Ear Infection?
Medical attention will be needed after 2 or 3 days of ear infection. If the pain and symptoms are severe or you have trouble with hearing, you should definitely go to a good healthcare provider to seek professional help. High fever and severe pain in the ear area can be really difficult to handle, and seeing a doctor is better. Some of the patients will also experience fluid, pus, or blood drains. If dizziness and hearing loss are common, you should go for a general check-up at a healthcare center. The doctor will give several treatment options.
How to Drain an Ear Infection?
By draining an ear infection, you will be relieved from pressure, reduce pain, and promote the healing process. Bear in mind that the draining process may damage or harm the ear, so it should be under medical guidance to avoid any further complications. There are also safe methods to drain an ear infection at home. With a little bit of gravity assistance and laying on your side with the affected ear facing down, you can drain the fluid from the ear. Moreover, chewing or yawning also helps the drainage process, which is a great method for Middle Ear Infection. For severe ear infections, medical procedures such as Suction Drainage, Ear Irrigation, and Myringotomy (Ear Tube Surgery) are advised.
Ear Infection Treatment
How to Prevent Ear Infection?
The first thing to prevent ear infections is to be clean always. Always wash your hands and the important parts of the body to reduce the spreading of germs. Keep your ears dry, and remember to avoid inserting any kind of object because inserting any object will damage the ear canal and lead to infection. Exposure to cigarette smoke will easily block your Eustachian tubes. Lastly, after swimming and showering, remember to dry your ears with a towel or hair dryer. Tilting your head to each side will also prevent ear infections.
Facts about Ear Infection
There are more than 4 types of ear infections.
The main causes of ear infections are bacteria, viruses, and allergies.
Hearing loss, vertigo, redness, and severe pain plus fever are some of the symptoms of ear infection.
Do not use any objects to insert in the ear.
Ear candling is an unsafe method, so be careful and avoid doing it.
About 75% of children will have at least one ear infection by age 3.
Ear infections are among the most frequent reasons children visit the doctor and receive antibiotic prescriptions.
Final Words
In general, ear infection is a common medical condition that can happen to all ages. Whether you are an adult or have kids at home, it is likely to get an ear infection someday. But don’t worry at all. With medical improvements and developments, an ear infection is totally treatable. There are also many ways to prevent an ear infection. Overall, it is a treatable issue, and you can manage it well with a good healthcare provider.
