Ear infections can be common in children than in adults. Isn’t it? We don’t hear any adult having an ear infection very often. Do we? However, you will be surprised to know adults are possible a little more to get diagnosed with an ear infection than children.
Some ear infections can prove to be very harmful and if untreated, might lead to serious health conditions. In some cases, unidentified infections can also lead to loss of hearing.
It is important to recognize the types of ear infections in adults and their common symptoms. It is not hardcore science but a few pieces of basic information that might save your life! That might be a little exaggeration but there is some truth too!
Here are different types of ear infection and their treatments along with symptoms:
1) Outer Ear Infection:
The outer ear is the part of your ear that extends from your eardrum to the outside. The outer ear infections are caused when water remains in your ear while bathing or swimming.
This remaining water will build up moisture and pave the way for the growth of bacteria. It also leads to severe bacterial infection when you try cleaning your ear with your fingers or any kind of objects often. The common symptoms of an outer ear infection are:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness or irritation
The doctor will examine your ear and provide you accurate diagnosis. You will get your ear cleaned and use some anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops in your ear. If the infection is severe, the doctor can give you antibiotics along with anti-biotic/anti-inflammatory drops.
2) Middle Ear Infections:
The middle ear is that part of the ear that extends beyond the eardrum. The infections of the middle ear are caused by either water being trapped due to swimming or respiratory conditions.
This will lead to the bulging of your eardrum. The common symptoms of a middle ear infection are:
- Severe earache
- Fever
- Trouble hearing
- Cold
You can see the doctor at the earliest and get your ear examined. You will be prescribed antibiotics along with anti-inflammatory or antibiotic ear drops.
If you experience any kind of cold/flu or allergy symptoms, you might be asked to take nasal steroids or an antihistamine.
3) Inner Ear Infections:
The inner part of your ear is also called the labyrinth of the ear. It is the part of your ear that contains organs of the senses of hearing. The bony labyrinth, a cavity in the temporal bone, is divided into three sections- (the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea).
There are very rare chances of having an actual case of bacterial infection in your inner ear. However, the pain and the infection can actually be inflammation or symptoms of a serious yet fatal health condition. Some of the symptoms of an inner ear infection are:
- Severe earache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
You can get yourself examined by the doctor and you will be prescribed medication depending on the diagnosis. Usually, these inner earache and infections is a sign of meningitis.
Apart from this, ear infections can be prevented by maintaining hygiene, avoid cleaning your ear with your finger or any object too often, and by making sure you dry your ears after a bath/swim.