Darrick Robles Children in particular are affected by ear infections. But adults can get them too. The disease is associated with severe pain, which is sometimes almost unbearable, especially for small children. However, ear infections often go away on their own within a few days.
forms of ear infections
An ear infection (medical: otitis) can occur on or in the ear. Depending on where
exactly the symptoms of the ear infection are located, a distinction is made as to which form of otitis it is:
- Inflammation of the ear canal: otitis externa
- Inflammation of the middle ear: otitis media
- Inflammation of the inner ear: otitis interna
This overview is primarily about otitis media, i.e. inflammation of the middle ear .
Ear infection symptoms
The most common symptom of an ear infection is that the inflamed ear is very painful. With a middle ear infection, the pain is behind the eardrum . The patient may feel dizzy. At the same time, the following symptoms can occur on one or both sides :
- pressure on the ear
- throbbing in the ear
- stuffy ear
- deteriorated hearing
The mucous membranes in the ear swell and block the channel through which earwax is otherwise transported. This increases the pressure on the eardrum , which can even burst. While this is harmless, it can hurt. In this case, you need to see a doctor.
In addition, the following accompanying symptoms may occur:
- Fever
- exhaustion
- Cough
- Sniffles
- irritability
- nausea and vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
Causes of Ear Infection
Ear infections often occur during or after a cold . Bacteria that trigger the inflammation are transported via the connection between the throat and ear. Unlike a cold, an otitis media is not contagious .
Get help with these ear infection symptoms
If you have an earache that lasts more than 24 hours , or if you have fluid leaking from your ear , you should seek medical attention. You should go to the emergency doctor in the following cases :
- For earache and simultaneous headache, stiff neck, tiredness and weakness
- For earache with high fever and a very poor general condition
- For earache with dizziness, vision or balance problems
- For earache with unilateral facial paralysis
- For throbbing pain around the ear
- For noticeably red and swollen ears
Diagnosis of ear infection
With an ear mirror , the doctor can take a look at the eardrum and usually quickly identify a middle ear infection. The doctor looks for redness and swelling as well as any discharge. In addition , he feels the ear . The test is safe but can be a bit uncomfortable.
In addition to the ear examination, an anamnesis is carried out in which the complaints and the medical history are queried. A hearing test and a balance test can also be carried out.
You can do this yourself if you have an ear infection
If you have an earache, you should keep your head as upright as possible . This relieves pain because this position reduces swelling in the nose and ears. For example, if your child is sick, you can carry them around upright.
Both children and adults usually feel better if their head is raised a little higher when they sleep . You can use an extra thick pillow or several pillows at once. Or you raise the head of your bed with books or the like.
If necessary, decongestant nasal sprays can reduce the swelling. They are available at pharmacies without a prescription, as are pain- relieving medications . If you are in severe pain or if there is fluid leaking from your ear, you should not take a bath .
Treatment options for ear infections
Depending on the cause, otitis is treated differently. A middle ear infection usually goes away on its own within a few days . Occasionally, more severe ear infections are treated with antibiotics.
Children between the ages of 1 and 12 with an uncomplicated ear infection usually do not require antibiotic treatment; the inflammation will heal on its own. However, antibiotics can be given if the pain is severe, if you feel unwell, or if you are at increased risk of a serious infection.
Eardrum piercing is a treatment option for both children and adults who have problems with recurring ear infections or fluid in the ear . This allows the liquid to drain away. A tube can then be inserted into the eardrum to equalize the pressure.
Ear infection in children
Children get ear infections more often when they are younger than 2 years old. Small children have greater problems than older children: the disease is more painful for them and is associated with a higher fever. Other possible symptoms in younger and older children include:
- Frequent ear grabs
- exhaustion
- sleep disorders
- Decreased appetite
- restlessness and irritability
For children under 6 months, you should always consult a doctor before giving the child any medicine. In any case, you should read the package leaflet carefully to determine which dose is appropriate for the child’s age.
Caution: Children and adolescents under the age of 18 should not take any medicines with aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome !
Reye ‘s syndrome is a rare but serious condition . It occurs in children and adolescents whose fever has been treated with acetylsalicylic acid, i.e. aspirin. Shortly after the apparent recovery, the brain and liver become inflamed. As a result, impaired consciousness, seizures, abdominal pain and vomiting may occur. Reye’s syndrome can lead to death.
This is how Med-Healths can help with ear infections
A consultation on Med-Healths can help you determine the nature and cause of your otitis. On this basis, you can better classify your ear infection symptoms. Since a physical examination is necessary to diagnose a bacterial infection in the ear, the online doctor can refer you to a specialist and, if necessary, also issue you a sick note.
