Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons young children need to see a doctor, but they happen to adults too. If you have an ear infection, it means that bacteria or a virus has entered your middle ear, which consists of the space behind the eardrum. This causes swelling, pain, fever, lack of appetite and fluid discharge, among other symptoms.

Ear infections don’t always indicate a serious illness, but it can lead to complications. If you suspect you or your child has an ear infection, visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor . Your doctor relieves your symptoms and helps you prevent future infections. More importantly, only a specialist can figure out if the ear infection involves something more serious.

Preventing Ear Infections

Children are more likely to get ear infections, partly because the shape of their inner ear makes it harder to drain fluid. Also, kids’ immune systems are weaker, and they don’t always have a sense of good ear hygiene. Making sure your children’s hands and ears are clean daily is an easy step to take to prevent infections. Other prevention tips include:

• Vaccinating your children for the flu. Strange as it may seem, flu shots actually stop middle ear infections in your children.
• Breastfeeding until the age of six months. It’s been shown to build a child’s immune systems.
• Keeping your child away from secondhand smoke.
• Never letting your children have a bottle when they go to sleep or allowing them to drink while lying down. The ears are connected to the throat, so children become susceptible to ear infections if they drink while lying down.
• Taking extra safety precautions if your child spends a lot of time with other children, such as at a daycare.

Never assume that ear infections happen solely because of a lack of hygiene. Your genes may also put you at risk for ear infections. For adults, the best ways to prevent ear infections include:

• Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Avoiding people who have a cold or virus
• Diligently treating cold symptoms
• Cleaning your ears regularly and appropriately
• Making sure your ears don’t get filled with water
• Seeing your Medex ENT physician or primary care doctor at the first signs of ear discomfort

Why Do Ear Infections Happen?

Ear infections happen in part because your ears are connected to your nose and throat. This is why you’re more likely to develop an ear infection following a cold or sinus infection. Ear infections also are more likely to occur more often if you’ve bad allergies.

Thankfully, most ear infections are mild and may even resolve on their own, but don’t leave it to chance. Always visit your ENT doctor for every case of ear infection. You can prevent complications that may include:

• High fever
• Discharge
• Vertigo, dizziness and balance problems
• Chronic ear infections
• Hearing loss

Ear Infections Treatment Options

For adults, your ear, nose and throat expert may advise you to try resting and drinking lots of fluids for a few days. Over-the-counter medications reduce pain and fever while mitigating some of the uncomfortable symptoms. Only after that regimen brings you no relief does your doctor suggest anything else.

If your discomfort hasn’t subsided after a few days, your specialist may prescribe a round of antibiotics, which fight off the bacteria that may be causing your ear infection. For children, it’s considered especially important to wait a few days before resorting to antibiotics.