Ear infections are caused by either bacteria or viruses that affect the middle ear. They can be extremely painful, and some people may suffer from chronic ear infections. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections, but anyone with an ear can get them! Continue reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of ear infections, and if you suffer from chronic ear infections, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor at Light ENT in Boynton Beach.
What Causes an Ear Infection?
Like we said earlier, ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Ear infections often begin after a cold or other respiratory infection, and the bacteria or virus causing the cold travels up into the middle ear through the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, and the infection can travel up to your ear relatively easily. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections because their eustachian tube is shorter.
The bacteria or virus can also cause the eustachian tube to swell, which can lead to the tube becoming blocked, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear.
Ear Infection Symptoms
There are several symptoms of ear infections, including:
- Ear pain – ear pain is easily identified in older children or adults, but it can be difficult to tell if an infant is suffering ear pain. If you notice your child tugging ears, acting irritable, or crying more than usual, they may have ear pain or an ear infection.
- Loss of appetite – ear infections can make it painful to swallow, which makes eating less enjoyable.
- Ear drainage – when you have an ear infection, yellow, brown, or white fluid may seep from the ear.
- Trouble hearing – the swelling and fluid caused by ear infections can make it difficult to hear.
- Poor sleep – pain can be worse when lying down, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
If you are experiencing these symptoms or notice these symptoms in your child, it’s a good idea to see your family doctor. If you have chronic ear infections, your GP may refer you to an ENT doctor.
Ear Infection Treatment Options
Treatment options for ear infections depend on the age of the patient and the severity of the infection. Treatment options will also be different depending on whether the ear infection is chronic or a first-time infection. Your health care provider will diagnose the infection and recommend medications to relieve the pain and/or fever caused by an ear infection. These medications often include an antibiotic to combat bacterial or viral infection.
If the ear infection is relatively mild, your healthcare provider may wait to see if it clears up on its own before prescribing an antibiotic to treat the ear infection. If you suffer from chronic ear infections, visiting a specialist, like an ENT doctor, may be the right choice for you, and here at Light ENT we can look more closely at the issue and determine a course of action to relieve your pain.
Light ENT – Boynton Beach ENT Doctor
At Light ENT, we understand that when it comes to choosing an ENT doctor, you need someone who is experienced, understanding, and supportive. We work together as a team to ensure that we are responsive to your needs and provide you with high-quality ear, nose, and throat treatments. Our ENT services include:
- Allergy treatment
- Sinusitis treatment
- Balloon sinus dilation
- Deviated septum treatment
- Hearing loss treatment, including hearing aids
- Sleep health
- And more
Dr. Light is a double board-certified physician in Otolaryngology and received his training at NYU Medical Center. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.