Ear infection

Ear Infection

An ear infection is an inflammation of the inner, middle, or outer ear, often with infection. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can occur in any of the three parts of the ear. They are more common in children than in adults.

Causes

Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the ear. These can enter the ear through the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. The eustachian tubes can become blocked due to a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, which can lead to an ear infection. In some cases, ear infections can also be caused by fungi.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ear infection can vary depending on the part of the ear that is affected. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the ear
• Hearing loss
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diagnosis

To diagnose an ear infection, a healthcare provider will examine the ear using an instrument called an otoscope. This allows them to look at the eardrum and see if it is inflamed or if there is fluid behind it. In some cases, a sample of the fluid may be taken for testing.

Treatment

Treatment for an ear infection depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial ear infections, while viral infections usually resolve on their own. Pain relievers and fever reducers can also be used to manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to drain fluid from the ear.

Prevention

Preventing ear infections involves keeping the ears clean and dry, avoiding exposure to colds and other respiratory infections, and getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal bacteria.

See also

• Otitis media
• Otitis externa
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Earache
• Hearing loss

Ear infection Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia