prevention strategies to reduce the risk of another infection.surgical repair of the perforated eardrum.thorough cleaning of the ear and use of topical antibiotic drops (with or without steroids).Other possible complications of untreated chronic otitis media include meningitis, infection of the balance organs within the ear (labyrinthitis), sensorineural deafness (permanent hearing loss) and paralysis of the face. Without medical intervention, the chronic infection can burst the eardrum or damage the delicate structures within the middle ear. eardrops – if there is pus in the ear canal.įrequent bouts of acute otitis media or one lingering attack can lead to chronic otitis media. ![]() antibiotics – if the infection is bacterial in origin.Sometimes the eardrum will burst, leading to pus in the ear canal, but usually the eardrum will heal up again by itself. The infectious agent can be either viral or bacterial, with research suggesting that viruses are responsible for most cases. Children are most commonly affected by acute otitis media because it is caused by colds and blocked Eustachian tubes – both typical ailments of childhood. Otitis mediaOtitis media is an infection of the middle ear, which can be either acute or chronic. ear drops containing antifungal medications and steroids, if the infection is fungal in origin.eardrops containing antibiotics and steroids, if the infection is bacterial in origin.professional cleaning of the ear canal, although syringing the ear should usually be avoided.The infectious agent can be either fungal or bacterial. It can be triggered by exposure to dirty water or by mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning. Otitis externaOtitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal between the eardrum and the outer ear. ![]() In some cases, CT scans may also be taken. Types of ear infectionsEar infections are diagnosed by physical examination and laboratory analysis of pus or discharge. overzealous cleaning of the ears, which can scratch the delicate tissues.failing to dry the outer ear properly after swimming or bathing.young age – babies and children are more prone to ear infections.smaller than average Eustachian tubes, or a blocked Eustachian tube.sudden changes in air pressure – such as during airline travel.This can cause ear infections, mild deafness and an increased likelihood of a ruptured eardrum.Ĭauses of ear infectionsSome of the many causes of ear infection and contributing risk factors include: If the Eustachian tube is blocked, secretions and associated bacteria build up inside the middle ear. Whenever we swallow, a small muscle flexes and opens the tube, allowing air pressure equalisation and the drainage of secretions. The walls of the Eustachian tube lie flat against each other to prevent the migration of bacteria or other germs into the ear from the nose and throat. This tube equalises air pressure inside the ear, and funnels secretions from the middle ear into the throat. The function of the Eustachian tubeThe ear is connected to the back of the nose via the Eustachian tube. noises in the ear – such as buzzing or humming. ![]()
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