Ear Infections

Ear infections can occur in the middle ear or the ear canal. The ear canal is the tube that ends at the eardrum. When the ear canal is exposed to water from baths or swimming, the ear canal may become infected with bacteria and appear red and swollen. This is commonly called an outer ear infection, swimmer's ear or otitis externa. The middle ear is the area located just behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The infection of middle ear is known in medical term as an acute otitis media (AOM), and is often accompanied by viral upper respiratory infection. AOM mainly affects infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Adults are rarely diagnosed with AOM. Middle ear infections are the number one reason for healthcare center visits by children under age 15. Over half of American children experience ear infections before their first birthday. By age 3, about 70% to 80% of all children have had at least one ear infection. Almost half of children under age 3 who get an ear infection get another one at some time. Acute otitis media often accompanies respiratory infections since the child's Eustachian tube is shorter than an adult's, and this shorter tube forms a perfect pathway for bacteria and viruses to find their way to the middle ear. In chronic otitis media, the infection itself persists and can cause ongoing damage to the middle ear and eardrum. Ear infections can sometimes cause temporary hearing loss as a result of fluid build-up in the middle ear. Also, fluid can sometimes accumulate inside the middle ear without the presence of any infection at all.

The main symptom of swimmer’s ear is pain with movement of the ear or touching the ear or pushing on the area in front the ear. The most common symptom of an acute otitis media (AOM) is pain. Since an acute otitis media is more common in younger children who are unable to tell the people when their ears hurt, the symptom is often unnoticed. The children may only appear irritable and cry. A child with an ear infection may also have more trouble sleeping because lying down can increase ear pain. Another sign of an ear infection is a fever. There may be also yellow or white fluid draining from the child's ear. The fluid may have a foul odor and will look different from normal earwax. Often after the symptoms of acute otitis media clear up, fluid remains in the ear. Acute otitis media then develops into another kind of ear problem called otitis media with effusion. This condition is harder to detect than acute otitis media because, except for the fluid and some hearing loss that is usually mild, there are often no other noticeable symptoms. This fluid often lasts for up to 3 months and, in most cases, disappears on its own. The child's hearing then returns to normal.

To prevent swimmer's ear, there are over-the-counter drops that may be used for some children who are prone to swimmer's ear after they swim. This helps to dry the ear canal and creates acidity where bacteria will not grow as easily. Drops may be made at home by combining half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol. For children and adults who have a history of frequent ear infection, nasal sprays, preventive antibiotics, or decongestants may be recommended during respiratory infections.

Bacteria are responsible for the majority (80-85%) of cases of otitis media, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. About 15% of cases of acute otitis media are due to viral infections alone; occasionally, the problem is a mixture of more than one type of microorganism. A middle ear infection usually starts when a cold causes the Eustachian tube, a tiny tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose, to swell and close. When the tube becomes blocked, it causes a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. If this fluid becomes infected by bacteria or a virus, it can cause swelling of the eardrum and pain in the ear. Otitis externa can also develop when a cotton swab or finger is used to clear water blocked ears. Doing this can actually push foreign particles deeper into the ear where they can get trapped.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, next to the common cold, an ear infection is the most common childhood illness. In fact, most kids have had at least one ear infection by the time they are three years old. Young children can be more prone to ear infections because of the size and shape of their Eustachian tubes. Luckily, most ear infections clear up without causing any complications. But, if your child has ever suffered through an ear infection you know how painful it can be! It is easier to determine if a three-year-old has an ear infection because he or she is old enough to tell you about it to some degree. It is a lot tougher to figure out if your three month old is silently suffering from infection. Symptoms of ear infections in pre-verbal children require parents to pay closer attention to body language and subtle "tells". Most common symptoms can include fever, fussiness, tugging at ears, recent cold symptoms (runny nose, cough), shaking of the head, and an unwillingness to suck on a pacifier. However, doctors say using these symptoms to diagnose an ear infection is usually only about 50 percent accurate. In other words, children who have ear infections may have the above symptoms, but not all kids with those symptoms have ear infections. The only way to diagnose an ear infection is to have your health care provider get a look inside the ear. No one particular symptom is specific for ear infections. A good rule of thumb is to seek help from your physician when it seems your child's symptoms are numerous, severe or lasting longer than you might expect.

It is important to concentrate on the immune system to build resistance against ear infections. Incorporate a diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid dairy products, which encourage the production of mucus. Avoid a diet high in empty calories, junk foods fats and milks. Food allergies especially those related to milk or wheat can also be the cause of ear infections.

No type of eardrops should be used if a ruptured eardrum is suspected. Using saline gargles help to bring blood to the Eustachian tube and helps to fight ear infection. Keep the ear canal dry by plugging with cotton so as to prevent water from entering especially during a shower. Prop your head up when sleeping this helps in bringing relief.

For children dietary factors may be the principle causes of repeated ear infections. For adults however, continual infections signals a depressed immune system, which must be fortified through diet, supplements and stress management.