An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects
the middle ear
— the sections of your ear just behind the eardrum. Ear infections can be painful because of inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. Ear infections can be chronic or acute.
Where do most ear infections occur?
The middle ear
—which is where ear infections occur—is located between the eardrum and the inner ear. Within the middle ear are three tiny bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The bones of the middle ear are surrounded by air.
Where do you feel an ear infection?
Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain) A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal. A
feeling of fullness in the ear
. Nausea.
Where do inner ear infections occur?
Infections can happen
in any part of the ear
, including the inner section. When the inner ear is infected, the problem is sometimes known as labyrinthitis. The infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria, which usually reach the inner ear after affecting another part of your body.
What kills an ear infection?
Antibiotics
are strong medicines that can kill bacteria. For ear infections, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics that you swallow in pill or liquid form. However, eardrops can sometimes be safer and more effective than oral medicines.
How many days does an ear infection last?
Most ear infections clear up
within 3 days
, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
How can I treat an ear infection myself?
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. …
- Cold or warm compresses. …
- Olive oil. …
- Naturopathic drops. …
- Chiropractic treatment. …
- Sleep without putting pressure on the ear. …
- Neck exercises. …
- Ginger.
How do middle ear infections start?
A middle ear infection usually happens because
of swelling in one or both of the eustachian tubes
(which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat). The tubes let mucus drain from the middle ear into the throat. A cold, throat infection, acid reflux, or allergies can make the eustachian tubes swell.
When should you see a doctor for an earache?
You should contact your doctor immediately if: The
symptoms do not improve within 3 days
.
Body temperature rises above 100.4 degrees
as an accompanying fever could indicate a more serious infection. Ear infections are being experienced regularly, as they can eventually lead to hearing loss.
How do I know if I have an inner ear infection?
A doctor will look into the ear with an
instrument called an otoscope
. An otoscope helps see inside the ear canal and eardrum to see if there is redness or swelling, build up of earwax, or if there are any abnormalities in the ear. The doctor may gently puff air against the eardrum to see if it moves, which is normal.
What happens if an inner ear infection goes untreated?
Untreated chronic ear infections can also
cause tears in the eardrum
. These tears will typically heal within a few days, though in more extreme cases, surgical repair might be required. The other primary risk of leaving an ear infection untreated is that the infection could spread beyond the ear.
What are the symptoms of inner ear problems?
- Ear ache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Tinnitus or ringing in your ears.
- Hearing loss.
- Feeling of fullness in your ear.
Does salt draw out ear infection?
It’s an effective natural remedy for many common ailments because of its antibacterial and healing properties. In fact, one natural, effective way to relieve an earache is with a
warm salt sock
. During cold and flu season, earaches and ear infections can make the patient miserable.
How should you sleep with an ear infection?
Rest with your head on two or more pillows
, so the affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Or if the left ear has an infection, sleep on your right side. Less pressure = less ear pain.
Can I put alcohol in my ear for an ear infection?
Using Eardrops
According to ear specialists, a simple at-home blend can be made by making
a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar
. Using a few drops into the ears can help dry out the ear canal and support the healing process.
Will ear infection clear on its own?
Duration and Treatment
Many ear infections will resolve on their own
and the only needed treatment is medication for discomfort. Roughly 80% of infections will clear up without antibiotics but children under 6 months or patients with severe symptoms generally will require antibiotics.
