Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear . Most of the time, it is caused by bacteria that nearly all children have in their nose and throat at one time or another. Ear infections most often develop after a viral respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or the flu.
Why are children more likely to get ear infections than adults?
Young children are more likely than adults to get ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower and horizontal . This makes it easier for bacteria to get in and more difficult for fluid to drain. Also, young children have weaker immune systems, making it harder for them to fight off infection.
Why are children more susceptible to otitis media than adults?
Kids (especially in the first 2 to 4 years of life) get ear infections more than adults do for several reasons: Their shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes let bacteria and viruses find their way into the middle ear more easily . The tubes are also narrower, so more likely to get blocked.
How do you know if an ear infection has spread to the brain?
The deadliest complication of otitis media is a brain abscess, an accumulation of pus in the brain due to an infection. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and altered consciousness .
How can I prevent my ear infection from getting worse?
- Practice cold prevention. ...
- Try nasal irrigation. ...
- Get a flu shot. ...
- Take care of allergies. ...
- Keep your ears clean and dry. ...
- Don’t smoke. ...
- When to see the doctor.
What are the five risk factors for otitis media?
- Prematurity and low birth weight.
- Young age.
- Early onset.
- Family history.
- Race – Native American, Inuit, Australian aborigine.
- Altered immunity.
- Craniofacial abnormalities.
- Neuromuscular disease.
What happens if otitis media is left untreated?
Although the hearing loss caused by otitis media is usually temporary, untreated otitis media may lead to permanent hearing impairment . Persistent fluid in the middle ear and chronic otitis media can reduce a child’s hearing at a time that is critical for speech and language development.
How do you get rid of fluid in the middle ear?
In some cases, people need surgery for a blocked eustachian tube. The doctor makes a small cut in the eardrum to drain fluid and to make the pressure the same inside and outside the ear. Sometimes the doctor will put a small tube in the eardrum. The tube will fall out over time.
Can ear infection spread to brain?
There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. These are: an infection in another part of the skull – such as an ear infection, sinusitis or dental abscess, which can spread directly into the brain .
Can infection from tooth spread to brain?
A dental abscess can also travel to the brain , leading to the development of another abscess. If the infection reaches your brain, it can be life-threatening. Since a brain abscess is so dangerous, the condition requires a visit to the hospital or emergency room for urgent treatment.
Can an ear infection get worse while on antibiotics?
However, antibiotics can have side effects, so taking them unnecessarily can make a person feel worse, rather than better. Also, over time, the bacteria that cause some ear infections can become more resistant to antibiotics .
Is it OK to put peroxide in your ear?
Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and blistering. It can even cause burns at concentrations over 10%. Using too much hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin inside the ear, leading to inflammation and earaches. People should not use ear drops if they have an ear infection or a damaged eardrum.
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 do I reduce inflammation in my inner ear?
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) Applying a warm compress on the infected ear. Applying naturopathic ear drops with ginger, tea tree, or olive oil may help with pain and inflammation.
What is the best tool for diagnosing otitis media?
Pneumatic otoscopy should be used as the primary diagnostic method for otitis media with effusion (OME) in a child with otalgia, hearing loss, or both. Tympanometry should be obtained if the diagnosis is uncertain.
How can I get rid of fluid in my middle ear naturally?
- Jiggle your earlobe. This first method may shake the water out of your ear right away. ...
- 2. Make gravity do the work. ...
- Create a vacuum. ...
- Use a blow dryer. ...
- Try alcohol and vinegar eardrops. ...
- Use hydrogen peroxide eardrops. ...
- Try olive oil. ...
- Try more water.
