Ear Infection

Definition of ear infection

Ear infections are a common disease that often occurs in children. Usually, otitis resolves in three days. Ear infections are caused by bacterial or viral infections. When a cold, throat infection or allergic attack occurs, fluid may become blocked in the middle ear. The resulting symptoms include ear pain and can occur as thick yellow fluid from the ear.


Additional explanation
The symptoms

Symptoms of an ear infection include:

• Pain in the inner ear
• Body temperature ≥38C
• Difficulty hearing
• The ear is depressed or full
• Itching and irritation around the ears
• Scaly skin in and around the ear

Young children and babies who have ear infections usually go:

• Rub or pull your ears
• Don't react to certain sounds
• Difficult and restless
• No appetite
• Lost balance

The cause

Ear infections are caused by bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. This infection is often caused by other diseases, such as colds, flu, and allergies that cause obstruction of the nasal passages, throat, and Eustachian tubes.
diagnosis

Acute otitis media. The doctor will make this diagnosis if there are symptoms of an ear infection or otitis media.
Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the doctor discovers fluid in the middle ear but does not detect signs or symptoms of infection.
Chronic suppurative otitis media. Doctors found that ear infections caused tearing of the eardrum.

treatment

The doctor will prescribe medication to treat ear infections, depending on the cause.

In the case of an inner ear infection, antibiotics are usually not recommended because the inner ear infection will go away on its own. However, if an inner ear infection worsens, such as an ear infection that does not improve after three days, if the fluid leaks from the ear or if an illness increases. risk of complications, such as cystic fibrosis, antibiotics will be recommended by your doctor.

With regard to infections of the external ear, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotic ear drops to treat bacterial infections
• Steroid drops to reduce swelling
• Antifungal drops for the treatment of fungal infections
• Antibiotic tablets to treat serious bacterial infections

If there is a lump in the ear, the doctor may prick it with a needle to remove pus.
prevention

Several steps can be taken to prevent ear infections depending on the type of infection.

To avoid infection of the inner ear:

• Make sure the children follow the vaccination program
• Keep children away from smoking environments
• Try not to give lollipop after 6 years

To avoid infection of the external ear:

• Do not put cotton or fingers in the ear
• Use earplugs or shower caps when swimming
• Avoid putting water or shampoo into the ear when bathing or shampooing
• Treat conditions that affect the ear, such as eczema or allergies to hearing aids

Doctor's information
When to see a doctor?

See your doctor immediately if your child experiences the following symptoms:

• Very high body temperature
• Ear pain that does not improve after 3 days
• Swelling around the ear
• There is fluid coming out of the ear
• Hearing loss or hearing changes
• There are other symptoms such as pain, sore throat or dizziness
• Ordinary ear infection
• Long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, or neurological conditions
• Weak immune system, for example due to chemotherapy

What should be prepared before consulting a doctor
The doctor will ask you about the conditions faced, including:

• What signs or symptoms are felt?
• When do the symptoms begin?
• Are you having ear pain? Is the pain mild, moderate or severe?
• Is it accompanied by fever?
• Is there earth coming out of the ear? Is the liquid clear, cloudy, or bleeding?
• Do you have hearing loss?
• Do you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory symptoms?
• Do you have seasonal allergies?
• Have you ever had an ear infection in the past? when
• Are you allergic to drugs, like penicillin?

What will the doctor do during the consultation?

The doctor will use a small instrument (otoscope) to examine your ear. Otoscope will allow doctors to more easily check for blockages, signs of ear infection.

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