Overview of Middle Ear Infection
When a person has a middle ear infection, the middle ear becomes swollen and infected. The middle ear is located behind the eardrum. Middle ear infections are often caused by a virus. In many cases, bacteria can be the reason for this to develop. Antibiotics or ear drops can usually relieve this problem.
Risks of Middle Ear Infection
Children and babies are often the ones who have middle ear infections, especially during the colder months of the year. There are other times in which middle ear infection can be caused due to:
- A virus that the person has had such as the flu or a cold
- Second-hand smoke
- Medical disorders that cause this to happen
- Acid reflux
- Children who were born to mothers who drank while pregnant
Middle Ear Infection Symptoms
When a person has a middle ear infection, the symptoms are often:
- A high fever
- Pain in the ear
- A bad temper with children
- Los of hearing, though this is only short term due to the build-up of fluid in the ear
- The baby may not have any desire to eat or drink
- Sleep may be disturbed
- Balance may be affected
Treating Middle Ear Infection
There are usually two ways of treating middle ear infection. These include medication and surgery. Surgery is often the last result. It is called myringotomy that opens the ear drum. The cut is made in the ear drum to help drain the fluid that may be present.
The medications to take includes:
- Antibiotics, either oral or drops for the ear
- Pain relievers
- Fever reducers
- Aesthetic ear drops
In most cases, infections of the middle ear will go away on its own within two to three days. That is why several doctors are not going to do anything until the child shows that they are not able to get over this on their own.
Preventing Middle Ear Infection
There are ways in which you can reduce the chances of a middle ear infection. These methods include:
- Avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke
- Breastfeeding a child until they are at least 6 months of age
- Avoid giving a child a pacifier
- Keeping the baby’s head propped up while feeding
- Getting allergy tested
- Treating related conditions such as acid reflux
- Wash hands well
- Ensure that vaccinations are up to date
- Consider tubes that help to prevent fluid build up and infection in the ear.