What is an ear infection?
An ear infection refers to inflammation of either the ear canal or the middle ear. There are two main types of ear infections:
Otitis media
Otitis media refers to an infection of the middle ear. There are two main types of Otitis media:
- Fluid that builds up in the middle ear with few symptoms
- Fluid that builds up in the middle ear due to a viral or bacterial infection
Acute otitis externa (AOE)
Acute otitis externa refers to an infection or inflammation of the ear canal. This is also called swimmer’s ear. In most cases, AOE exhibits symptoms immediately due to a bacterial infection.
What causes an ear infection?
There are many different causes of ear infections, including:
- Bacteria
- Cold and flu season
- Injuries to the ear
- Cigarette smoke
- Family history
Children between the ages of six months and two years old are more susceptible to ear infections since they haven’t yet developed a healthy immune system and their ear canals haven’t yet properly developed.
What are the symptoms of ear infections?
Symptoms of ear infection vary according to whether you’re a child or an adult. In adults, symptoms include ear pain, weak hearing, and fluid drainage in the ear. In children, however, the symptoms are more extensive. Symptoms of ear infections in children include, but are not limited to:
- Ear pain
- Sleeping problems
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Balance loss
- Irritability
- Continuous crying
- Headaches
- Drainage
It’s essential that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Alabbas if you or your child are exhibiting any of the above symptoms.
How do you treat ear infections?
While you should schedule an appointment as soon as you can, symptoms can dissipate within a few days. If symptoms don’t go away within a week, you definitely need medical treatment.
Dr. Alabbas prescribes pain medication, like Tylenol and Advil, to help with discomfort. He might also recommend antibiotics to reduce inflammation.
In most extreme cases, ear infections require a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Dr. Alabbas can talk to you about whether you might need tympanostomy tubes in your ear to help with the drainage of excess fluid.
Ear infections can be treated with expert medical attention. At All Patients Urgent Care, Dr. Alabbas gives you immediate relief and prevents recurrent symptoms. Schedule an appointment today over the phone or online.
