It usually begins with a cold, which can cause fluid to form behind the eardrum. The liquid is not necessarily the problem; however, the bacteria or viruses get attracted to the fluid and can cause the infection. This results in pain in the middle part of the ear, which is also known as otitis media. It can occur in one or both ears and most commonly happens in the winter and early spring.
Types
There are several kinds of ear infections:
- Acute
- Effusion
- Chronic
- Adhesive
Symptom
Not one person ever enjoys the symptoms caused by an ear infection because each symptom is the reason pain, discomfort, sickness, and more. A person should understand that an ear infection could have many different warning signs; however, the following is a list of 10 most common symptoms of an ear infection:
- Severe ear pain
- Hearing loss
- Swollen lymph node
- Thick drainage from the ear
- Ringing in the ear
- An itching sensation
- Fever
Other symptoms with children include:
- Poor eating and resting
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bad temper
When a person is experiencing a few symptoms mentioned above, this individual more likely need to be treated with doctor prescribed antibiotics, which will be discussed next.\
Another Type – Throat Infection
Treatment
As said earlier, the most common treatment for an infected ear is antibiotics, such as Suprax, Amoxicillin, and Septra. Most people with the first-time infection feel considerably better within forty-eight to seventy-two hours after beginning the treatment of antibiotics (Ear infections Treatment – umm.edu).
If the fluids in the ear and the symptoms persist, even after antibiotic treatment, a doctor may recommend a myringotomy surgery. This surgical operation makes an opening of the eardrum to relieve pressure and allows drainage. This may or may not involve the insertion of ear tubes. Discussion on ear tubes will be later on. A home remedy could treat minor ear infection; however, if the symptoms become severe, medical attention is highly recommended. An improperly treated infected ear could cause loss of hearing and many other severe injuries.
Ear Tubes
In this procedure, a small tube is inserted into the eardrum, providing a tinny opening allowing air in such fluids can drain more easily. This operation typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes and done under general anesthesia. Usually, a tube remains in the ear from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of tube. If it remains in the eardrum longer, it might be removed by simple surgery.
Read About – Tonsillitis
Recommendation
Anyone experiencing an ear infection should ultimately seek professional opinions to rule out any severe causes.