What are Ear Infections?
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Ear infections are often termed otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis interna (inner ear infection) and can be caused by the presence of bacteria containing particles, viruses and mucus becoming blocked or trapped in the ear cavities. An ear infection can also affect the eardrum which forms part of the outer ear canal.
Ear infections are commonly caused by sinusitis as bacteria containing mucus progresses up the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear area. When this occurs, a blockage of the Eustachian tube together with a middle ear infection may occur.
An important function of the Eustachian tube is that it equalizes pressure in the ear with external atmospheric pressure. Whenever you swallow, the Eustachian tube pulls on a small door like opening, the round window allowing it to open and equalize pressure with the middle ear. When pressure cannot be equalized, tunnel-like hearing is experienced together with ear pressure and pain.
Ear infections are most common in children for two developmental reasons:
- A child’s Eustachian tube runs more horizontal. This makes it easier for any bacteria present in the nasal passages and sinus cavities to progress up the Eustachian tube and into the middle ear canal.
- A child’s Eustachian tube is narrower in diameter as the diameter of the tube widens as a child grows. A narrower tube makes for easier blockage. When this occurs mucus becomes trapped in the Eustachian tube causing an irritation and inflammation of the linings covering the tube. Inflammation and swelling further narrows the tube.
Pressure, intense pain and throbbing in the ear may be experienced when a child experiences a Eustachian tube blockage. The child may also constantly tug at his/her ear in a bid to ease the pressure and decrease tunnel-like hearing caused by an imbalance in air pressure within the ear.
What causes Ear Infections?
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Ear infections can be caused by sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, damage to the ear, incorrect diving techniques, swimming in polluted water and also be a result of anatomical conditions such as narrower than usual Eustachian tubes.
What are the Symptoms of Ear Infections?
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Common symptoms of ear infections include:
- Sharp, shooting or stabbing ear ache
- Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Irregular ear drainage
- Fever and high temperatures
- Diminished hearing
- A ringing or buzzing noise may be heard in the ear
- Restlessness and irritability
- Dizziness, instability and poor equilibrium
- A hot feeling in the ear region
- Stomach unease and nausea may be experienced
Complications of untreated Ear Infections
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Complications of untreated ear infections can include:
- A raptured ear drum
- Glue Ear
- A loss of or diminished hearing
- The need for grommets (myringotomy)
Diagnosing Ear Infections
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Ear infections are often identified by doctors or GP’s using an otoscope to look into the ear canal and exam the ear drum for any signs of inflammation or redness. A devise known as a pneumatic otoscope may also be used to blow a small amount of air at the eardrum which will indicate if there is any blockage in the middle ear. If blockage is present, the ear drum will be pulled taught against the blockage, and no or very little movement will be seen. A test called a tympanometry may also be performed to identify if there is fluid present in the middle ear.
In certain situations, it may occur that fluid in the middle ear is unable to dry out or drain due to no air passing through the Eustachian tube to allow ventilation. When this occurs, a procedure known as a myringotomy may be performed. During this procedure, a small hole is cut into the ear drum (tympanic membrane) and a narrow tube inserted to help enable fluid to drain and air to reach the middle ear thereby improving drying. This tube is often referred to as a grommet and will be left in the Eustachian tube till it falls out on its own. The tympanic membrane is thereafter able to heal itself, closing the small hole originally cut for the insertion of the grommet tube.
If a particular ear infection does not respond to treatment, a doctor may remove some of the fluid building up in the middle ear and send this in for culturing to identify the type of infection and thereafter suitable treatment.
For repeated ear infections, a procedure known as a adenoidectomy may also be performed whereby the adenoids at the very back of the tongue are removed to help open up the Eustachian tube and promote the normal removal of blocked or trapped mucus.
Treatment for Ear Infections
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Treating an ear infection should be four-fold; firstly any bacteria or pathogens responsible for causing the ear infection should be identified; secondly, the inflammation should be eased; thirdly, correct measures should be taken to kill the ear infection causing bacteria or pathogens and fourthly, the body’s immune system should be boosted to improve recovery and decrease the chances of one developing a further ear infection soon after treatment.
Ear infections that are caused by upper respiratory infections are often caused by an inflammation to tissues which when the inflammation is treated with antihistamines, should heal on its own.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed for bacterial ear infections. One such antibiotic is amoxicillin. Pain medication is often recommended to accompany antibiotics to help alleviate shooting and throbbing ear pains.
When treating a baby that has an ear infection it is always essential to monitor the baby’s body temperature. Be sure to seek urgent medical attention if your baby or toddler experiences:
- A stiff neck
- Is slow to respond to you
- If body temperature increases beyond 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) for infants up to three months
- If body temperature increases beyond 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) for infants 3 months to 3 years old
- A loss of hearing or diminished hearing is experienced as a result of a prolonged ear infection
SinusWars offers a complete solution for ear infections in both adults and children with the SinusWars4 – Ear Infection Remedy and the EarAche Twinkles Remedy, both designed to provide long-term relief from ear infections and ear complaints and to stimulate immune responsiveness thereby helping the body overcome the infection as well as build a resistance to future ear infections.
The SinusWars4 – Ear infection Remedy comes in a tablet from which is dissolved under the tongue.
The EarAche Twinkles Remedy comes in tiny granular form. This makes it both safe and easy to administer to babies and toddlers and will in no way result in any possible choking hazard. The sweet taste of the granules also makes them pleasant to take which means you child won’t be clamping his mouth shut when you reach for the bottle.
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