The surgeon selects a ventilation tube for your child that will remain in place for as long as required for the middle ear infection to improve and for the eustachian tube to return to normal. This may require several weeks or months. During this time, you must keep water out of the ears because it could start an infection. Otherwise, the tube causes no trouble, and you will probably notice a remarkable improvement in hearing and a decrease in the frequency of ear infections.

If you do have an infection in your outer ear, the treatment is with either ear-drops (containing antibiotics) and/or a course of oral antibiotics. If the pain is very uncomfortable you may be advised to take painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the ear canal needs more attention, then treatment could include a thorough cleaning of the ear by your doctor or an ear specialist.

Treating an ear infection is relatively simple. Many ear infections clear on their own and require no treatment, although an over the counter pain reliever may be recommended to ease the child’s discomfort. A persistent ear infection may require antibiotics. Antibiotics are not prescribed as often as they used to be to avoid over exposure to antibiotics at an early age. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the child has had numerous ear infections within a close period of time or if the ear infection presents with effusion. Pain relieving ear drops may be prescribed to help relieve discomfort.

Make your own antiseptic ear rub that soothes the area killing harmful bacteria. It’s a great home remedy for clogged ears. This herbal treatment of ear infection prevents bacterial transfer, saving you from developing an infection in the healthy ear.

Applying heat to the ear, which may help relieve the earache. Use a warm washcloth or a heating pad. Do not allow your child to go to bed with a heating pad, because he or she could get burned. Use a heating pad only if your child is old enough to tell you if it's getting too hot.

Using eardrops. Doctors often prescribe pain-relieving eardrops for earache. Don't use eardrops without a health professional's advice, especially if your child has ear tubes.

Ear infections occasionally cause the ear drum to perforate which is in some ways analogous to a pimple popping: The infection may go away and the pain is gone. The ear drum heals and sometimes the fluid reaccumulates but often the infection is gone. The drainage and occasional blood from the ear looks frightening and your doctor may want to have a look. Don't put drops in a draining ear without first talking to your doctor.

If your doctor has said things like 'it looks a little red' or 'I see a little fluid' then they may not have been making a 'certain' diagnosis of an ear infection. This is especially true if the diagnosis was made when your child had no other symptoms at all. With a true ear infection, in addition to having fluid in their ear, your child should instead have the more classic symptoms of 'a history of rapid onset of signs and symptoms such as otalgia (or pulling of the ear in an infant), irritability in an infant or toddler, otorrhea, and/or fever.



By: peterhutch

About the Author:

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Glue Ear is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It is the most common cause of partial deafness in children and it is estimated that one in four children are affected at some stage in their childhood. It is more common in boys with most being affected between the ages of two and five. However there are chances it may occur at a later stage, including in adulthood.

Glue Ear mainly occurs in both ears and may be difficult to detect, since it is not painful doesn’t cause symptoms of an ear infection. Mostly it is due to a problem with the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat.

The Eustachian tube normally plays an important role in maintaining equal air pressure between the outside and inside of the middle ear. When the tube becomes obstructed the air in the middle ear becomes absorbed, and the resulting vacuum draws fluid into the middle ear cavity from lining of ht ear (the mucosa)

Initially the fluid is thin and watery but eventually it becomes thick and tenacious, hence, the name “Glue Ear”. Because the middle ear is now filled with fluid rather than air, the haring is muffled. Obstruction of the tube may be due to repeated bacterial and viral upper respiratory track infections, enlarged adenoids or nasal allergy.

It is important to note that in children the Eustachian tube is more horizontal and smaller than in adults and this is one of the reasons why Glue Ear is relatively common in children.

Children are especially prone to Glue Ear because.

 

Of frequent colds and sore throats

 

In children, the adenoids (lymph tissues at the back of the nose that help protec against infection) are more likely to be enlarged, blocking the opening of the Eustachian tubes.

 

SOME RESEARCHERS also believe children are at higher risk if exposed to cooler climes or a smoky environment. Children with genetic conditions such as Downs Syndrome may have smaller Eustachian tubes and are more susceptible to Glue Ear.

Symptoms of Glue Ear.

Glue Ear in children can sometimes go unnoticed. However, there are few warning signs, such as

 

Temporary hearing loss: This is the most common symptom.

 

A stuffy feeling in the ears. Glue Ear does not cause pain the way middle ear infections (otitis media) can. Children with Glue Ear sometimes have repeated episodes of earache or middle ear infections.

 

Changes in behaviors include tiredness and frustration, not responding when called, falling behind at school, preference to staying in isolation.

Diagnosing Glue Ear.

If your child is showing the following symptoms and you are unclear about their condition, it is advisable to check with your nearest ENT specialist.

Often doctors rely on one or several of the following tests to make the diagnosis. They’re Otoscopy, Audiometry and Tympanometry tests.

Treatment of Glue Ear.

Glue Ear does not always need treatment. Most physician prefer a conservative, or “wait and see”, approach to treat the problem.

There is some debate about how effective medical treatments are and the mainstay of treating children with Glue Ear is with ventilation tubes (grommets)

The decision to operate and insert a grommet in the eardrum is dependent on many factors such as the patient’s age, whether there are recurrent middle ear infections, pain speech, delay learning or behavioral difficulties.

It can also depend on the appearance of the eardrum. (For instance whether there is a retraction pocket, which is a localized area of scarring that may lead to problem)

Young children with poor language development, pain or recurrent ear infection should have grommets inserted as soon as possible. Older children with fewer symptoms can be treated conservatively with regular follow-up visits in the outpatient clinic to monitor their hearing and the appearance of the ear drum

The main objective of grommet insertion is to get rid of the fluid in the middle ear by allowing air to enter through the grommet, so temporarily by passing the problem. Normal hearing is restored once this objective is accomplished.

 

Grommets are available in many different shapes and sizes. On average, a grommet will stay in place between six to 12 months and will then fall out as the healing eardrum pushes it out into the ear canal. If the child redevelops Glue Ear it may be necessary to re-insert another grommet. The operation to insert a grommet s usually performed as day-case surgery under general anesthesia and it is the most common ear nose surgery.

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By: Arazoo Mush

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ion of the middle ear is an infection caused by a germ (bacterium). It is very common among children. The middle ear is an air-filled hollow between the eardrum and the inner ear. The Eustachian tube - an air channel between the middle ear and the nose - usually ensures that the middle ear is ventilated and that fluids can run out through the nose.

Middle ear infection most commonly occurs following a cold. It also frequently occurs as a result of contact with other children. Middle ear infection (called otitis media) is an infection behind the eardrum. Ear infections are very common and are usually painful. By the age of six, most children have grown out of middle ear infections and are not likely to suffer long-term problems.

Symptoms

In otitis media, inflammation occurs on that portion of the ear, which is directly behind the eardrum. This pain in the ear is usually of a piercing type and is not attended with fever. Pus is discharged into the outer ear. As the condition progresses, the inner ear becomes seriously affected, and hearing is considerably impaired.

Acute middle ear infection is most common in children. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid of the middle ear. When infection occurs in the middle ear, pus or excess fluid is produced. Ear infections are often associated with respiratory infections or with blocked sinuses caused by allergies or enlarged adenoids.

Causes

A cold or other infection of the upper airways causes the tubes which drain the ears in to the back of the throat to become swollen and filled with mucus or catarrh. These tubes are called eustachian tubes, and are the tubes we open, by yawning or swallowing, to stop our ears popping as we go up a hill or in a plane. This swelling may block the eustachian tubes, and stop the normal drainage of fluid from the middle ear down to the back of the throat. As water which is stagnant becomes foul, so there is more chance of germs building up in this stagnant situation in the middle ear, and a middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is the result.

Ear infections also can be associated with dysfunction or swelling within the eustachian tubes — the narrow passageways that connect the middle ear to the nose. Normally these tubes equalize pressure inside and outside the ear. But a child's eustachian tubes are narrower and shorter than those of an adult. This makes it easier for fluid to get trapped in the middle ear when the eustachian tubes dysfunction or become blocked during a cold.

Treatment

Many physicians recommend the use of an antibiotic (a drug that kills bacteria) when there is an active middle ear infection. If a patient is experiencing pain, the physician may also recommend a pain reliever. Following the physician's ear infection treatment instructions is very important. Once started, the antibiotic should be taken until it is finished. Most physicians will have the patient return for a follow-up examination to see if the infection has cleared.

Most ear infections clear on their own in just a few days — and antibiotics won't help an infection caused by a virus. In fact, about 80 percent of children with acute otitis media recover without antibiotics, according to the AAP and AAFP. If your child is uncomfortable, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). If your child doesn't have drainage from the ear or ear tubes, prescription eardrops containing a local anesthetic may be an option, too. The drops won't cure the infection, but they may relieve pain.



By: peterhutch

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The ear works by receiving sound waves and sending messages to the brain. The outer ear includes the part of the ear you can see and the ear canal. The sound waves go through the ear canal and hit the eardrum and cause it to vibrate.

Ear infections are common in young children resulting in millions of office visits and antibiotic prescriptions annually. Acute otitis media (AOM) includes intense signs and symptoms of infection and inflammation and is the most common bacterial illness in children for which antibacterial agents are prescribed in the United States. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is even more common.

An ear infection means that the middle ear is infected. The middle ear is the eardrum and the small space behind the eardrum. An ear infection is sometimes called 'acute otitis media'. A separate leaflet deals with infection of the ear canal (otitis externa).

Earaches are a common occurrence in our lives, especially with our children. Learn what causes them and how you can avoid them in the future.

Earaches can be anything from slightly painful to extremely painful and are usually brought on by a fluid buildup (sometimes resulting from an infection), or a buildup of pressure in the middle ear. A highly common cause of the earache is due to plugged ‘Eustachian’ tubes (the tube that comes from the back of your throat and connects to your middle ear). If and when your Eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid will gather resulting in a painful earache, bringing with it the possibility of bacteria buildup or infection.

Ear pain can occur due to allergy, filling of wax in the ear, chillness, entry of any foreign body in the ear or infection in the Eustachian tube which connects ear, nose and throat.

Ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Most often, the infection affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid.

If a person has severe or persistent pain and fever, and the eardrum is bulging, a doctor may perform a myringotomy, in which an opening is made through the eardrum to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear.

The most common cause for temporary hearing loss is the fluid in the middle ear space associated with ear infections. On average, fluid lingers for 3 weeks following an ear infection, but it can remain for months.

The ear is responsible for hearing and balance and is made up of three parts - the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Hearing begins when sound waves that travel through the air reach the outer ear, or pinna, which is the part of the ear you can see. The sound waves then travel from the pinna through the ear canal to the middle ear, which includes the eardrum (a thin layer of tissue) and three tiny bones called ossicles. When the eardrum vibrates, the ossicles amplify these vibrations and carry them to the inner ear.



By: peterhutch

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The human ear is composed of the inner ear, middle ear, and the outer ear. Ear infection can attack any of these parts and one part can usually infect the others. External otitis affects the outer ear some times it comes after cold or flu or some other kind of upper respiratory infection.

The area from the eardrum to the outer part, becomes inflamed and is very painful, sometimes a fever may be developed. Otitis media affects the area inside the eardrum and all the small bones, the air pressure is regulated in this area by the auditory tube running from the ear to the back of the nasal cavity, when bacteria or a virus gets in this area, the different parts become inflamed with fluid, causing pressure and extremely sharp pain in the ear with fever.

Fasten the warm onion bag to the painful ear with a woolen scarf or hat. (Use only natural materials, like cotton, wool, flax or silk.)

One popular home remedy for ear infections is to drop one to two drops of onion juice or garlic in the ear. This remedy can sting the ear. Therefore, it may be necessary to dilute the juice with boiled water that has been allowed to cool.

Sudden increases in air pressure (during descent in an airplane or on a mountain road) can both squeeze the floppy tube closed and create a relative vacuum in the ear.

Drops of tea tree oil may be beneficial. This herbal treatment has mild anti-bacterial properties, but it may irritate the skin.

Put few drops of garlic juice into the infected ear. Use blow dryer from about 12 to 15 inches from your head, this will remove any water trapped in the Eustachian tube. Put some olive oil on the warm spoon; put 2 to 3 drops of this in each ear. Put few drops of lobelia extract into the infected ear and rub it gently. Wash your ear using colloidal silver, it is a natural antibiotic. Slightly warm one teaspoon of juice of the mango leaf and put it into the infected ear drop by drop.

For bad ear aches/infections squeeze lemon juice in your ear, keep it in for a few seconds, and then let it drain out. I put a towel over my ear so it doesn't drain into my hair...that gets pretty sticky! The lemon has to do with changing the Ph levels in your ear. The bacterium is a base, and if you add the lemon, an acid, it neutralizes the Ph levels in your ear so that the bacteria cannot live in there!

Removing debris like wax, pus and shed skin from the ear canal causes direct contact of the medication with the infected skin and hastens recovery.

Make a mixture by adding 1 tablespoon of almond carrier oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Warm this mixture and add 2 drops thrice a day to the infected ear.

Put a cup of salt in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and dump it on some small cotton bag or socks. Keep this close to the ear; it will reduce the pain and swelling caused due to infection.



By: Corwin Brown

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The ear is responsible for hearing and balance and is made up of three parts - the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Hearing begins when sound waves that travel through the air reach the outer ear, or pinna, which is the part of the ear you can see. The sound waves then travel from the pinna through the ear canal to the middle ear, which includes the eardrum (a thin layer of tissue) and three tiny bones called ossicles. When the eardrum vibrates, the ossicles amplify these vibrations and carry them to the inner ear.

Though adults are not affected as frequently as children, it is important for adults to be aware of how adult ear infection can affect them. Adult ear infection is caused by infection in the Eustachian tube, near the inner ear. The Eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and equalize pressure between outside and inside of the body, but when fluid or mucous builds up in the Eustachian tube, it is an easy target for infection.

Ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Most often, the infection affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid.

Bacteria reach the middle ear through the lining or the passageway of the eustachian tube and can then produce infection, which causes swelling of the lining of the middle ear, blocking of the eustachian tube, and migration of white cells from the bloodstream to help fight the infection. In this process the white cells accumulate, often killing bacteria and dying themselves, leading to the formation of pus, a thick yellowish-white fluid in the middle ear. As the fluid increases, the child may have trouble hearing because the eardrum and middle ear bones are unable to move as freely as they should. As the infection worsens, many children also experience severe ear pain.

Most ear infections go away on their own. You can treat your child at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or Tempra), a warm washcloth or heating pad on the ear, and rest. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. Your doctor may give you eardrops that can help your child's pain.

Middle ear infections are one of the most common childhood problems. Let's start by talking about infections. An infection (say: in-fek-shun) happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get inside the body and cause trouble. Germs can get into your ears. The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle, and inner. When the germs bother your outer ear, it's called swimmer's ear.

The main symptom is an earache. It can be mild, or it can hurt a lot. Babies and young children may be fussy. They may pull at their ears and cry. They may have trouble sleeping. They may also have a fever.

Although ear infections worry parents and make children uncomfortable, take heart. Most ear infections clear up on their own within a few days, and most children stop having ear infections once they reach school age.

Viral infections are more complicated to treat and may necessitate a myringotomy, which is a minor surgery in which a small plastic tube is inserted into the eardrum. This acts as a vent to relieve the pressure of the buildup or infection. It also drains the fluid remaining in the ear. This little tube is not permanent; it falls out automatically after a short time.



By: peterhutch

About the Author:

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The ear is one of the most significant parts of the human body and is separated into three different sections: The outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Hearing and stability are the two main functions performed by the human ear. Each part of the ear is used either for hearing or for balance. The most susceptible part of the ear is the ear drum. Earache is a ordinary problem among children and adults.

Earache accompanied by impaired hearing usually is indicative of problems in the middle ear. This type of pain is also common when flying or climbing high altitudes. Children are more prone to this type of pain as the Eustachian tube which regulates the pressure in the middle ear is much shorter thus causing the build up of infections from the throat. Ear problems are often caused by an infection. However, other conditions may also cause ear pain or discomfort.

Home Remedies for Earache

Take Vitamin C to enhance your immune system. It is a natural antibiotic and antihistamine that helps to decrease inflammation and fever. Include zinc in your diet since it reduces ear infection. Certain foods, more normally dairy products like milk, butter, cheese etc tend to aggravate ear infections, so it is better to avoid them during an ear infection.

Take a teaspoonful of sesame oil and add half a clove of garlic to this oil. Heat it on a flame to make it a little warm. Put four drops of this oil in the open ear. Lie on this side for ten to fifteen minutes. Then turn over and put the oil in the second ear also. Lie on this side too for ten to fifteen minutes.

Put some mineral oil (oil derived from a mineral source, such as petroleum, because it is inexpensive and rarely causes allergic reactions) in your ear before going in the water. Wear earplugs while swimming and avoid swimming in dirty waters.

Boil 3-4 cloves of Garlic in some water. Mash them and add a pinch of salt. Wrap this poultice in a flannel or woolen cloth and place on the aching ear.

The greatest pain reliever is the presence of warm, moist heat around the ache. A warm compress - such as a towel rung out in hot water and pressed against the ear, brings immediate relief.

Take two bits of Garlic. Remove the skin. Put them in two spoons of Mustard Oil in a small pan and warm it up on low heat. When the garlic starts turning black (burning) then turn off the heat. Sieve the contents. When the oil becomes lukewarm, then using a cotton stub, put 2 to 4 drops in the aching ear.

Pour some garlic juice in the paining ear; its antibiotic qualities will help to relieve the pain. If your earache is due to rise in altitude than just chew gum or yawn. This will contract the muscles and open the Eustachian tubes. For swimmer's ear, put some mineral oil in both ears before going in the water. Apply some heat to your aching ear using a heating pad or a warm cloth. Put few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the aching ear. Put two drops of holy basil leaves’ juice in the aching ear.



By: Corwin Brown

About the Author:

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Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an inflammation and infection of the ear canal. Swimming, bathing, allergies, or even cleaning your ear with a cotton-tipped swab can lead to discomfort, bacterial growth, and infection. The ear is made up of an intricate system of tiny bones, organs, and membranes that produce the signals our brain interprets as sound. An ear infection, also known as otitis media , produces pus, fluid, fullness, pain, and inflammation within the ear. An ear infection may also cause fever, hearing loss, and dizziness. In children , the eustachian tube is shorter and less slanted than in adults and is thus more susceptible to bacterial and viral infection. Since it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal, a common name for this inflammation is "swimmer's ear." If you have had swimmer's ear in the past, you have a higher risk of having it again. Exostoses may not cause symptoms, or they may lead to ear infections and hearing loss, especially if they are big enough to block the ear canal.

Causes of Ear Infection

The common Causes of Ear Infection :

The cause is a germ infecting the outer ear canal. Most often this is caused by bacteria (which can be treated with antibiotics), but sometimes other causes, such as fungus infection, are to blame.

The infection can happen to anyone. Sometimes a cause can be traced, such as swimming in infected sea water (many surfers will attest to this). Most times it is not possible to be sure why it started.

Excessive sweating from physical activity.

Use of earplugs.

Some people seem to have one episode after another. It may be that some of these people have a habit of fiddling with or picking at their ears, and introduce the infection themselves, inadvertently.

Otitis media is most likely to happen in children, because their eustachian tubes are narrower to start off with. Sometimes the glandular tissue at the lower end of the eustachian tubes (the adenoids) seems rather more enlarged than in other children, making blockage of the tubes even more likely. However it can happen in anybody.

Symptoms of Ear Infection

Some Symptoms of Ear Infection :

Nausea , vomiting .

Have trouble sleeping .

Develop a fever.

Fail to respond to sounds .

Develop fluid that drains from the ears.

Have headaches.

Ear noise or buzzing.

Irritability .

Diarrhea .

Tug or pull at their ears .

Treatment of Ear Infection

Most times your family doctor will treat the infection with either ear drops (which usually contain an antibiotic or antiseptic, along with some steroid), or a course of antibiotics. On occasion you may be given both drops and antibiotics.

If the pain is bad you may need to take pain killers (analgesics) such as paracetamol, or anti inflammatory drugs in addition. Usually the infection settles quite quickly.

Sometimes the ear canal needs more attention. This may involve seeing a specialist, and perhaps having the ear cleaned out, or a dressing inserted temporarily.

The treatment, however, can start immediately, as the most important part is to reduce the pain . For this, paracetamol either as a liquid, a tablet, or a soluble tablet is usually the best. Ibuprofen, a NSAID is another alternative. You should not use aspirin in a child under the age of 16, but it can be very helpful for the older age groups.

In many countries, the standard treatment for otitis media has been a course of antibiotics. There is currently some debate as to whether this should indeed be the treatment. There are points for and against their use.



By: Juliet Cohen

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tions are among the most common illnesses of early childhood. Three out of four children have had at least one ear infection by age 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The medical term for middle ear infections is otitis media. Otitis refers to inflammation of the ear, and media means middle.

Causes

Ear infections are common in infants and children in part because their eustachian tubes become clogged easily. For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its purpose is to drain fluid and bacteria that normally occurs in the middle ear.

Treatments And Drugs

Antibiotic therapy

If your child is younger than age 6 months or has two or more ear infections within 30 days or chronic otitis media with effusion, the doctor may recommend an antibiotic. If the medication is effective, your child should start feeling better in a few days.

Drainage tubes

If fluid in your child's ear is affecting his or her hearing or recurrent ear infections don't respond to antibiotics, your child's doctor may suggest surgery. The most common surgery for ear infections is a myringotomy. During this procedure, which requires general anesthesia, a surgeon inserts a small drainage tube through your child's eardrum.

A wait-and-see approach

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend a wait-and-see approach for the first 72 hours for children .

Exams and Tests

The doctor will ask questions about whether your child (or you) have had ear infections in the past and will want you to describe the current symptoms, including whether your child has had any symptoms of a cold or allergies recently. Your doctor will examine your child's throat, sinuses, head, neck, and lungs.

What Is Middle Ear Infection?

Middle ear infection is an infection that occurs behind the eardrum, in the middle part of the ear. While it can happen in people of all ages, it mainly affects children. The medical term for middle ear infection is otitis media.

Middle ear infection in children

Middle ear infections are most common in children. Adults can get middle ear infections, but three-quarters of all cases occur in children under the age of 10 years old. The medical term for a middle ear infection is otitis media. This means inflammation of the middle ear. Often there is no treatment and the infection gets better on its own, although your GP may prescribe antibiotics depending on the cause of the infection.

How does middle ear infection happen?

If the Eustachian tube is not working properly or is blocked by inflammation, the air in the middle ear is absorbed but cannot be replaced. This causes the air pressure in the middle ear to be less than the air pressure in the ear canal.

What is Acute Middle Ear Infection?

Acute middle ear infection is an inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear. Acute middle ear infection refers to a short and severe episode. A persistent or recurrent middle ear infection is called chronic middle ear infection.

Acute Middle ear Treatments

The goal of treatment is cure of the infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria.Nasal sprays, nose drops, oral decongestants may be used to promote drainage of fluid through the eustachian tube. Ear drops may be prescribed to relieve pain.



By: peterhutch

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Normally the eardrum is airtight and watertight. To keep pressure inside and outside the eardrum equal, we have natural "drainage" tubes (the Eustachian tubes) that connect the middle ears (the space behind the eardrum) to the back of the nose and throat. Our ears always produce small amounts of fluid; this normally drains down the Eustachian tubes, and is usually in such a small amount that we don't even notice it in the throat

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. While there are different types of ear infections, the most common is called otitis media, which means an inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum.

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. "Otitis" means inflammation of the ear, and "media" means middle. This inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear. These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic.

The middle ear also contains the eustachian (pronounced you-STAY-shun or you-STAY-shee-un) tube, which connects the middle ear to the pharynx (pronounced FAHR-inks). The pharynx is a passageway behind the nose through which air passes into the lungs. The eustachian tube helps maintain an equal air pressure between the middle ear and the outside world.

Symptoms

In Otitis Media, inflammation occurs on that portion of the ear which is directly behind the ear drum. There is discharge of pus into the outer ear. As the condition progresses, the inner ear beomes seriously affected and hearing considerably impaired. There is suppression of middle ear through a perforation of drum. In case of children, supression may start slowly without any reason. If the suppression is left unattended it may result in deafness.

Causes

Bacteria and viruses can cause otitis media. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), nontypable Hemophilus influenzae and Moraxella account for about 85% of cases of acute otitis media. Viruses account for the remaining 15%. Affected infants under six weeks of age tend to have infections from a variety of different bacteria in the middle ear.

Ear infections are common in infants and children in part because their eustachian tubes become clogged easily. For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its purpose is to drain fluid and bacteria that normally occurs in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up and become infected.

Diagnosis

In most cases, if someone is suffering from a cold or sore throat that suddenly gets worse, with ear pain and a fever, then the diagnosis is likely to be otitis media. It is still wise to see a doctor, as he will look into the ear with a special torch known as an otoscope, enabling him/her to see clearly if there is inflammation and/or infection.

There's no single best approach for treating all middle ear infections. In deciding how to manage your child's ear infection, a doctor will consider many factors, including:

The type and severity of the ear infection

How often your child has ear infections

How long this infection has lasted

How old your child is



By: Corwin Brown

About the Author:

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