Infections inside the ear 642
by Admin
Posted on 24-10-2022 08:03 AM
The middle
ear
is a small space behind the ear drum that is supposed to be well ventilated by air that normally passes up from behind the nose, through the eustachian tube, keeping the middle ear clean and dry.
Excess mucus and saliva produced during teething infected or overgrown adenoids (lymph tissue in the upper part of the throat) tobacco smoke ear infections are also more likely in children who spend a lot of time drinking from a sippy cup or bottle while lying on their back. Milk may enter the eustachian tube, which may increase the risk of an ear infection. Getting water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection unless the eardrum has a hole in it. Other risk factors for acute ear infections include: attending day care (especially centers with more than 6 children) changes in altitude or climate.
An ear infection is one of the most common conditions among children. It is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. These infections create pressure in the eustachian tube that connects the throat to the middle ear. This pressure causes the ear pain. Achronic ear infection can last for 6 weeks or more, but most infections are viral and go away on their own after 3 days without needing to see a doctor. Children are more likely to get an ear infection when they’re exposed to illness from other kids, especially during the winter months. Babies who drink from a bottle while lying down are likely to get the infections, too.
Every parent knows the helpless feeling that comes from consoling a child with an ear infection (otitis media). Although many ear infections clear up on their own, some don’t. And some children get them all the time. Medtronic is committed to helping these children receive safe, effective treatment.
Ear infection (middle ear)
Your health care provider will look in the ears using an otoscope.
The exam may reveal:
dullness, redness in the middle ear
air bubbles in the middle ear
thick fluid in the middle ear
eardrum that sticks to the bones in the middle ear
draining fluid from the eardrum
a hole (perforation) in the eardrum
an eardrum that bulges out or pulls back inward (collapses)
tests may include:
cultures of the fluid that may show a bacterial infection. A ct scan of the head or mastoids may show that the infection has spread beyond the middle ear. Hearing tests may be needed. The provider may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria.
The middle ear connects to the throat by a canal called the eustachian tube. This tube helps even out the pressure between the outer ear and the inner ear. A cold or allergy can irritate the tube or cause the area around it to swell. This can keep fluid from draining from the middle ear. The fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow in this fluid. The bacteria and viruses cause the middle-ear infection.