Ear infections are a prevalent health issue, especially in children under the age of two. Parents should be alert for symptoms of an ear infection when a child exhibits signs of illness, such as fever, irritability, and notably, ear pain. While ear infections themselves are not contagious, the colds that often precede them are, and these colds are typically responsible for the spread of germs from the nose or mouth.
For adults, ear pain does not necessarily equate to an ear infection. Discomfort in or around the ear could be due to various issues, including an ear infection but also injuries, inflammation, or infection in the ear canal, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. A notable cause of middle ear infection is when fluid behind the eardrum gets infected with a virus or bacteria, potentially leading to pain and fever. This can occur when another illness like a cold, flu, or allergy leads to congestion and swelling of the nasal passages and eustachian tubes.
Chronic ear infections, or recurring acute otitis media, are persistent or frequently returning ear infections that can lead to complications such as hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and even the rupture of the eardrum if fluid builds up and is not adequately drained. In cases where fluid remains in the ear for an extended period, doctors may recommend the placement of pressure equalization (PE) tubes to facilitate fluid drainage and improve hearing.
Antibiotics are often prescribed for young children under two years of age and those with severe symptoms, such as significant pain, ear drainage, or high fever. These antibiotics can help reduce pain and fever in cases of acute otitis media. However, if the eustachian tube becomes blocked, it can result in a full or plugged feeling in the ear because of the unequal air pressure on either side of the eardrum.
For more detailed information on ear infections and their symptoms, please visit the following resources:
Rush,
Harvard Health,
Harvard Health,
University Health Center,
University of Utah Health,
UC Irvine Medical Center,
Wicha Lab, and
Harvard Health.
