An untreated infection can spread to other nearby tissue in and around the ear , and in rare cases even into the skull, resulting in meningitis. Infections will more commonly spread to the mastoid, just behind the ear, which can damage the bone and form pus-filled cysts.
Can an ear infection spread to other parts of the head and neck?
If the bacteria cause an infection, the infection can damage the tissue of your ear canal and the bones at the base of your skull. If it’s left untreated, the infection can spread to your brain, cranial nerves, and other parts of your body.
Can ear infections spread to other body parts?
Like any infection, a double ear infection can spread to other parts of the body. The part that is most in danger is the mastoid, which is the part of the skull bone behind the ear. Infection of this bone, called mastoiditis, causes: ear pain.
What can ear infections lead to?
Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss . If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures, permanent hearing loss may occur. Speech or developmental delays.
Can ear infection spread to neck?
A neck abscess occurs during or just after a bacterial or viral infection in the head or neck such as a cold, tonsillitis, sinus infection, or otitis media (ear infection). As an infection worsens, it can spread down into the deep tissue spaces in the neck or behind the throat.
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 .
What happens if you dont treat an ear infection?
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 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.
Can an ear infection last for months?
Inner ear infections tend to last the longest, with symptoms often persisting for several months. Middle ear infections shouldn’t last more than one or two days . Outer ear infections can last for a week or longer.
How long do ear infections last?
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days , although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
How long does a inner ear infection last?
Inner ear infections will usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks , although some can last for six weeks or more. If the symptoms are severe or they don’t start to improve within a few days, then you should see a doctor. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics if the infection appears to be caused by bacteria.
How long does it take for an ear infection to heal with antibiotics?
Most ear infections are not cured after the first dose of antibiotic. Often, children don’t get better the first day. Most children get better slowly over 2 to 3 days . Note: For mild ear infections in older children, antibiotics may not be needed.
Can fluid in your ear cause neck pain?
Pain will get worse when you press on the bone behind the ear. This infection is rare and usually occurs 10 to 14 days after a middle ear infection. Headache with severe stiff neck , irritability, confusion, and excessive sleepiness may be caused by an infection of the lining of the brain ( meningitis ).
Can ear infection become serious?
Most ear infections don’t cause long-term complications. Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications: Impaired hearing . Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection, but it usually gets better after the infection clears.
How long can an ear infection go untreated?
How Long Do Ear Infections Last? Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days , even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
What’s the worst ear infection?
Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common type of ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen, and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the ear—commonly called an earache. Your child might also have a fever.
