Ear infections are one of the most common health problems faced by both children and adults. These inflammations can be caused by a variety of reasons: infections, allergies, or even simple water in the ear. In addition to causing discomfort and pain, ear infections can have long-term consequences if not treated in time and properly. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the types of ear infections, their symptoms and effective treatments to help you understand how to deal effectively with this common health problem.
How does one get ear infections?
Ear infections often start from bacteria or viruses entering the ear, especially after a cold, flu or allergy. These conditions cause swelling of the nose and throat, which leads to blockages in the Eustachian tubes – the small canals that connect the ears to the adenoid glands at the back of the throat. Children are particularly susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are short and narrow. Around 80 per cent of children experience acute ear infections.
A blockage in the eustachian tubes prevents fluids from draining out of the middle ear, causing inflammation. Factors contributing to blockage:
- Allergies;
- Colds;
- Sinus infections;
- Smoking;
- Changes in air pressure.
Sometimes inflammation can also come from the adenoids, whose function is to fight infections, but which can themselves be a source of infection.
Types of ear inflammation
Ear infections are divided into several types, depending on the site of inflammation. Each type has its own symptoms and treatment methods, which are important for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Inflammation of the outer ear
Otitis externa, also known as ‘swimmer’s ear’ or external otitis, is an inflammation of the auditory meatus of the outer ear. The development of this condition is greatly influenced by the retention of moisture in the ears after time spent in water, creating a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. In addition, various external damages caused by the use of earplugs can damage the thin layer of skin in the ear canal, increasing the risk of inflammation.
Inflammation of the middle ear
Inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, leads to a build-up of purulent fluid in the middle ear, interfering with hearing. This cavity between the eardrum and the inner ear is called the middle ear.
Inflammation is usually caused by conditions such as allergies, colds, sore throats or respiratory tract infections that interfere with fluid drainage. Otitis media comes in two main forms: acute and non-acute (serous) inflammation:
Serous otitis
Also known as non-purulent otitis media, it starts when the normal function of the ear trumpet (Eustachian tube) is interfered with, leading to the accumulation of a sterile, serous fluid behind the eardrum. This inflammation often develops as a result of inflammation of the nasopharynx and nose, adenoids or other mechanical blocks that prevent air from entering the middle ear. In this case, negative pressure builds up in the tympanic cavity, and the blood vessels begin to accumulate fluid.
Acute otitis
A rapidly developing inflammation of the mucous membrane, usually caused by allergies, germs or trauma. It is more common in children under the age of two, but the risk increases in adults if there are anatomical features of the nasopharynx, such as a deviated nasal septum, enlarged nasal sinuses or adenoids, or in the presence of chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic diseases.
Chronic otitis
Recurrent serous otitis can develop into chronic otitis, a long-term inflammation of the middle ear. This can be caused by nasopharyngeal allergies, inflammation, or adenoids. Sometimes, these inflammations lead to the formation of a cholesteatoma in the middle ear – a pathological formation that can disrupt the inner structures of the ear and lead to serious complications such as hearing loss or even brain damage.
Inflammation of the inner ear
The structure of the inner ear consists of the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the labyrinth, which is important for maintaining balance. Inflammation in this part of the ear can impair both hearing and balance functions:
- Auditory neuritis is a condition in which inflammation damages the auditory nerve, causing neurosensory-type sensorineural hearing loss, i.e. hearing loss resulting from damage to the structures of the inner ear.
- Labyrinthitis is a type of inner ear inflammation characterised by inflammation of the labyrinth, which involves the membranous structures and fluids. This inflammation is most often caused by viruses and is most common in adults aged between 30 and 60 years.
Infections of the inner ear can occur for a variety of reasons, including colds or flu, and can also be caused by an infection spreading from the middle ear to the inner ear. Vestibular neuritis, which is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve responsible for controlling balance and eye movement, can also occur. This condition often develops before or in combination with a viral infection.
Symptoms of ear inflammation
Otitis media, otitis externa and otitis media are different conditions with specific symptoms. Each type of inflammation can cause unpleasant sensations and serious health problems, so it’s important to know the symptoms and to seek timely medical attention.
Symptoms of otitis externa:
- Discomfort in the ear
- Redness and/or swelling in the outer part of the ear
- Fluid or pus from the ear, may be clear or greenish-yellow
- Pain, especially when eating or moving the jaw
- Hearing impairment
- Ear congestion
- Fever
Symptoms of otitis media:
- Severe ear pain
- Annoyance
- Rupture of the eardrum, pus may ooze from the ear
- Ear congestion
- Autophony (the person hears himself when speaking)
- Crackling in the ear
Symptoms of inner ear inflammation:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
Each of these conditions can have long-term consequences, including permanent hearing loss or even more serious complications, which is why it is important to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose an ear infection is to see an ear, nose and throat – ENT doctor. During the visit, the doctor uses an otoscope – a small device with a light and a magnifying glass that allows a detailed look at the outer ear and eardrum. This examination is important because it allows a detailed examination of the ear.
A pneumatic otoscope is also used, which blows air into the ear to determine the freedom of movement of the eardrum. If the eardrum moves easily, this may indicate that there is little or no inflammation of the middle ear. Heavy movement of the eardrum may indicate a build-up of fluid or pus, but this does not necessarily indicate the presence of inflammation.
In addition, a tympanometry test, which also assesses the movement of the eardrum, is used to help understand the nature of the ear inflammation. A simple hearing test may also be performed. If the infection is suspected to be of bacterial origin, material is taken for further examination and for the exact identification of the causative agents.
All these diagnostic tools help the doctor to accurately assess the problem and choose the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment process
Treatment methods depend on the type of ear infection, and in many cases, especially with otitis media or otitis externa, antibiotics are needed.
Inflammation of the outer ear
Avoiding moisture in the ears is important for treating otitis externa. Gentle ear rinsing and application of corticosteroids helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. For acute inflammation, antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed. Sometimes oral antibiotics and painkillers are also given if necessary.
Inflammation of the middle ear
Middle ear infections are often treated with antibiotics and painkillers. In addition, decongestants, antihistamines or nasal steroids may be prescribed to relieve symptoms such as ear congestion and runny nose. Autoinsufflation is also used, a procedure that involves squeezing the nose and gently exhaling to help regulate the pressure in the ear, thus relieving symptoms and promoting healing.
Inflammation of the inner ear
Kartais gali būti skiriami antivirusiniai ar antibiotikai vidinės ausies uždegimo gydymui, tačiau dažniau dėmesys skiriamas simptomų, o ne pačios infekcijos gydymui. Pavyzdžiui, steroidai dažnai skiriami mažinti uždegimą. Be to, jei dėl vidinės ausies uždegimo atsirado Vertigo ar galvos svaigimas, gydytojas gali rekomenduoti antihistamininius vaistus.
Risks and consequences of ear infections
Ear infections are usually not contagious and will go away on their own, leaving no lasting effects. However, it is important to stress that infection can lead to serious complications, especially if treatment is not started in time. Attention should therefore be paid to appropriate treatment, depending on the cause of the inflammation.
Here are some of the potentially serious consequences:
- Hearing loss – usually temporary, but can become permanent if infections recur or are not fully treated.
- Mastoiditis – an inflammatory condition in the mastoid bone behind the ear, often caused by recurrent ear infections.
- Meningitis is a very serious infection affecting the membranes of the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal.
- Brain abscess – occurs when an infection spreads to the brain, causing purulent inflammation.
- Tinnitus/ear ringing may still occur
- Dizziness can still occur when you can no longer live alone because you are unable to walk, cook or drive straight.
Although these complications are rare, they require urgent treatment and careful monitoring, especially in younger children who are more vulnerable.
To summarise
Ear infections are one of the most common health problems affecting both children and adults. Although most cases of ear infections are uncomplicated and go away on their own, they are not always harmless. Infection can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss or even brain damage, especially if treatment is not started in time. Proper and timely treatment, depending on the cause and type of inflammation, is a key part of the recovery process. Therefore, it is important not only to be aware of the different types of ear infections and their symptoms, but also to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.