Otitis media, or middle ear infection, can happen to both children and adults. Viruses and bacteria are the common culprits, and sadly, these painful, acute infections can become chronic, or recurring. In this blog, we will look at the symptoms and causes of otitis media and also provide tips for long-term relief.
Symptoms of Ear Infections
The most common symptoms of otitis media include:
- Ear pain
- Muffled hearing
- Fever
Children–especially babies and toddlers–may be fussy and irritable, have trouble sleeping and lose their appetites. These symptoms are caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear due to inflammation or infection.
In severe cases of otitis media, the eardrum actually may rupture, producing a discharge from the ear. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, see an ear, nose and throat doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Recurrent Ear Infections
Recurrent ear infections can be caused by various factors such as allergies, cigarette smoking (or exposure to secondhand smoke) or simply, a weakened immune system. For children in particular, their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat) allow bacteria and viruses to enter the middle ear more easily and cause infection. Frequent colds and respiratory illnesses also increase the risk of recurrent otitis media.
Ear Infection Treatments
Your ear, nose and throat specialist is the best healthcare provider to see for diagnostic and treatment of ear infections, especially when symptoms persist and worsen or when they seem to be happening again and again. At your appointment, the otolaryngologist will review your symptoms and do a physical examination of your ears, nose and throat. He will inspect the ear canal and eardrum with a lighted instrument called an otoscope, looking for pus and any eardrum bulging.
For less severe ear infections, the doctor may wait to prescribe antibiotics, including amoxicillin.
Besides taking medicine as prescribed, it’s important to treat an ear infection with:
- Rest
- Good hydration
- A warm compress to the infected ear
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain
Tips to Provide Long-term Relief of Ear Infections
Depending on how many ear infections you or your child may have and how severe they are, your ENT doctor may wish to see you in his office for periodic inspection of the ear canal, eardrum and hearing.
Some general recommendations which can help reduce the occurrence of middle ear infections are:
- Keeping you and your child up to date on flu shots and other vaccines
- Avoiding smoking and exposing your child to secondhand smoke
- Breastfeeding your baby if possible because breast milk contains antibodies that can help prevent infections
- Washing hands thoroughly and often to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria
- Additionally, get plenty of rest, push fluids as much as possible and eat a nutritious diet to bolster the immune system.
However, some patients–children in particular–need other kinds of treatments to keep middle ear infections from recurring. These can include the following.
Tympanostomy Tubes
Tympanostomy tubes are tiny plastic tubes that are surgically inserted into the eardrums. These tubes help fluid to drain from the middle ear and equalize air pressure, reducing the likelihood of infection. The tubes do not need to be removed; they simply fall out over time.
Adenoid Removal (Adenoidectomy)
Enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian tube, preventing proper drainage and leading to recurring infections. Removing them through a procedure called an adenoidectomy can stave off future infections.
Balloon Dilatation of the Eustachian Tubes
Some patients benefit from a procedure called balloon dilatation. The doctor inserts a narrow catheter through the nose and down the throat to the blocked eustachian tube. Inflating the catheter opens the eustachian tube, allowing fluid to drain and reliving pressure.
Allergy Treatment
Allergies cause inflammation in the nasal passages and throat, leading to blockages in the Eustachian tubes. Treating allergies with medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help reduce the risk of recurrent middle ear infections.
Ear Infection Treatment in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, our board-certified otolaryngologist helps many patients who have recurrent ear infections find real relief. Dr. Scott William Franklin’s expertise and board-certification in otolaryngology and sleep medicine help his patients achieve their best ear, nose and throat health.
If you have questions about ear infections and how to prevent them, please call us at (512) 869-0604 for an in-office consultation with Dr. Franklin, or request your appointment here. Our friendly team is here to help you!
