The Complete Guide to Ear Infections and How To Avoid Them
Introduction: What are Ear Infections?
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that can affect the outer or middle ear. They are caused by an infection and can be classified as either acute otitis media (AOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME). AOM is when fluid builds up in the ear and OME is when fluid builds up behind the eardrum but does not cause hearing loss.
Symptoms of an ear infection include: pain, fever, difficulty sleeping, headache, decreased appetite and irritability. Ear infections usually go away on their own after about two weeks but it is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms so they can diagnose it properly and prescribe medication if needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infection in Adults
The most common symptom of an ear infection in adults is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Other symptoms include:
-Aching pain
-Fever
-Nausea
-Hearing loss
-Headache
How To Prevent Ear Infections
A common cause of ear infections is swimmer's ear. This is when water gets in your outer ear and damages the skin. Bugs get under the surface and cause ear infections. Sometimes this can be caused by baths and showers although sea water is worse. This is because it has more bacteria in it.
ZenPlugs Ear Plugs are great at keeping water out. You can mould them at home, yourself, using our patented kit. This makes them comfortable and super effective. Visit 'Swimming' on the menu on the top right to find and more and buy yours.
Other causes of ear infections include eczema and upper respiratory tract infections. These can be helped by steroid drops and anti-inflammatories respectively.
What Causes Ear Infections?
The ear canal is lined with skin and hair, which can trap bacteria, dust, and other particles. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. When it’s open, it helps equalize pressure in the middle ear.
The most common cause of an ear infection is a cold or allergy that causes inflammation in the nasal passages and throat. That leads to fluid buildup in the Eustachian tube, which can create pressure on the eardrum and lead to an infection.
Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of one or both of your middle ears caused by a virus or bacteria that gets into your upper respiratory tract from your nose or throat area.
Best Ways to Prevent a Child from Getting an Ear Infection Again
The best way to prevent a child from getting an ear infection again is to treat the one they have. It is important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ear infections, so that they can take their child to a doctor as soon as possible.
1) Watch for signs of an ear infection: fever, irritability, fussiness, and pain in the ear.
2) Keep your child hydrated by giving them more fluids than usual (especially during winter)
3) Don't smoke around your children.
4) Keep your children away from anyone who has an infection or cold.