Common Causes of Ear Infections and How to Prevent Them

Ear Infections and How to Prevent them

Have you ever had an ear infection? They are common, and they can be extremely painful and hard to manage. There are different types of ear infections, and they can be acute (coming on suddenly and severely) or chronic (recurrent or persistent). Once you know how to recognize the signs of an ear infection and understand what causes them, you can reduce your risk of getting ear infections.

What is an Ear Infection?

Ear infections occur when the eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the back of the throat, become blocked and swollen. Left untreated, ear infections can result in a variety of complications, including hearing loss and the formation of abscesses and cysts. There are three different types of ear infections:

• Otitis Externa: This is an outer ear infection, also called swimmer’s ear, and it affects the ear canal.
• Otitis Media: A middle ear infection is usually caused by bacteria or viruses in the air-filled space behind the eardrum.
• Otitis Interna: An inner ear infection is less common than the other two, but can impact balance and hearing.

What is the Cause of an Ear Infection?

The term ear infection typically refers to acute otitis media. The most common cause of an ear infection is an upper respiratory infection that migrates to the ear.  Ear infections can be caused by a virus or fungus, but they can also be the result of allergies and other non-infectious conditions. This kind of ear infection is more common in children than adults, and adults are more likely to have inner ear infections. Inner ear infections are generally caused by inflammation of the central chamber or nerves of the inner ear. Outer ear infections are caused by bacteria or fungi in the ear canal.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Who is at risk of an ear infection? Anyone with a family history of ear infections is at risk, as are people with long-term illnesses. Having a cold increases your risk of getting an ear infection, and so does poor air quality and second-hand smoke.  Having allergies and allergy-related conditions can also make you more likely to suffer from ear infections. Ear infections are more common in children than adults, with Native American, Hispanic, and Alaska Natives more prone to them than other ethnic groups. Moist environments foster ear infections, and ear injuries can also cause them. Symptoms of ear infections in adults include pain, loss of appetite, difficulty hearing, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, there can be yellow, brown, or white drainage from the ear, which may mean the eardrum has ruptured.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

The best thing you can do to reduce your risk of ear infections is to practice good hygiene. Ears should always be kept clean and dry, and you should never share earbuds or headphones. It is important to decrease the spread of bacteria, to prevent ear infections. If you have allergies, keep them under control and avoid allergens whenever possible. Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season, and be careful to minimize contact with people who are sick.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Infection Symptoms

When treating an ear infection at home, the treatment will focus primarily on alleviating symptoms. If the ear infection is brought on by a cold, managing cold symptoms can dramatically improve your earache. Try drinking warm tea with honey, irrigating your sinuses with saline spray or a neti pot, using a humidifier, drinking extra fluids, and getting extra rest. A hot or cold compress may help you manage the pain, and it could be helpful to alternate between cold and warm, to get the benefits of both. Make sure the compress is neither too hot nor too cold. Sometimes, changing your sleep position can alleviate ear pain, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help. While some herbal remedies are popular in folk medicine, they are not clinically validated for ear infection treatment. Always consult a licensed provider before trying alternative therapies.

Sometimes, an ear infection can make the muscles around the ear canal swell, and exercising your neck can sometimes ease this pressure. Avoid putting oil in your ear, or using over-the-counter numbing drops. If your ear infection gets too severe, you will need to seek medical attention, because your infection may require an antibiotic. Symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor include:

• Symptoms that persist beyond two or three days
• Severe pain or troublesome symptoms
• A fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Ear Infection Treatment Options

An ENT specialist will be able to diagnose your ear infection accurately, to provide the most effective treatment. Generally, managing and treating ear infections means getting rid of the underlying infection and treating the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort, while antibiotics are often necessary to eradicate bacterial infections. When ear infections are chronic, there are surgical interventions that can be used to improve drainage in the ears.

Come to Oasis ENT for Ear Infection Treatment

If you live in the Surprise, Arizona area and have an ear infection, trust the patient-focused specialists at Oasis Ear, Nose, & Throat. At Oasis ENT, we are committed to helping our patients overcome a variety of ear, nose, and throat problems, including ear infections. We embrace emerging, yet proven perspectives, patient-focused therapies, and advanced technology, to address sinus problems and allergies. Our highly skilled team has the knowledge and experience to identify the most suitable solution for each patient, and our goal is to help patients breathe better, without sinus issues. We also want our patients to understand that there are treatments for their conditions, and they don’t have to settle for less. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or to learn how our boutique healthcare approach is designed to support patient-centered care and help improve symptoms for many individuals. Results vary based on individual health needs.

*The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Results may vary: Treatment outcomes and health experiences may differ based on individual medical history, condition severity, and response to care.

Emergency Notice: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.