The Ear
Infection
Visit our Hearing and Ear Health Discussion
Forum
Ear infection
basics
The most common ear infection is also known as
otitis media (media meaning "middle," because the middle
ear is where this type of ear infection
occurs).
Simply put, otitis media, or a middle ear
infection, is an inflammation inside the ear that can be
triggered by sore throats, cold, and other breathing or
respiratory problems.
An ear infection produces inflammation, fluid
and sometimes even pus. Besides pain, an ear infections
can also cause fever, dizziness and reduced hearing
capability.
An ear infection is a common occurrence among
children. In fact, it's estimated that 75 percent of all
children get at least one ear infection before the age of
three. This is due to the fact that their eustachian
tubes are slanted in a way that makes it easy for
fluid to build up while their bodies are horizontal
during sleep. Surveys of pediatricians show that there
are more office visits due to an ear infection than any
other cause.
But adults can also get an ear infection
too.
Otitis externa is a less common type of ear
infection that occurs in the outer ear.
Ear infection
causes
An ear infection starts when bacteria or fungus
get inside the ear and start to multiply. As mentioned
above, these agents can be spread from a sore throat or
other type of respiratory problem. But they can
also come from outside sources like dirty water.
"Swimmers ear," as it is commonly known, is an ear
infection that occurs when fluid gets into the ear, often
from swimming in ponds, lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
Swimmers ear usually occurs in the outer ear region, and
is therefore a case of otitis externa rather than otitis
media.
An ear infection can also result from sweat
produced by physical activity or exercise.
People who use ear plugs sometimes get an ear
infection if the ear plugs are not cleaned properly and
germs grow on them.
Some people introduce germs to their ears
themselves by pulling their ears or trying to dislodge
built up wax with a finger or a foreign object like a
pencil or a paper clip (never a good idea).
A minor injury or skin infection can also
cause a middle ear infection.
Sometimes, it's hard to determine the cause
of an ear infection. So it's important to talk to your
doctor about treating an ear infection, since antibiotics
aren't always the answer.
Need more information about the ears?
Use the convenient box below to search for related
websites
 Learn More About Your Ears and
Hearing
This electronic book covers many of the
topics included on this website and also features
additional information and resources.
Just $3.97 (half-price) when you order from
this site
Click here for more
information
To see dozens of additional medical
products and books related to health, click on
|