webmaster note: Guest article writer today. Ear infections in adults are a serious matter. They must be treated as such.
When people experience the symptoms of ear infection and do nothing they do so at their hearing ablility’s peril.
More than temprorary hearing loss can result and it is wise that an infection be dealt with quickly and decisively.
Remember there is never medical advice on this website only information to make you better consumers of medical services. A note here too just the other day I had a conversation with a person who was prescribed antibiotics by his doctor to rid himself of an infection. As he is not a fan of antiobiotics becuase of the side effects especially of oversuse he stopped taking the prescribed antibiotics as soon as he experienced some relief. This is a bad idea always whenit comes to use of antibiotics do not be fooled you can stop using the prescribed amount until you have finished the prescribed amount. This of course is something to dicuss with your physician. Hopefully he will take a second to get you to understand the why of this. Briefly it has to do with not wanting to leave some super bacteria survivors who then will resume the attack on you with even greater fervor. Continuing with what your doctor has prescribed and advised will keep you on the offensive against the cause of the infection and help insure you really got them all or at least got them to where your own body defenses have a chance to do the job. Below are the basics of ear infections as explained by our guest article writer.
Ear infection is one of the most common health problems found in children as well as adults. Ear infection in adults is due to bacteria or viruses or by common cold. It causes symptoms such as ear blockage, temporary hearing loss, pain in ear, etc.
Although ear infection is more common in children, it can also affect adults. Otitis media is the most commonly seen ear infection. It is also known as middle ear infection. It causes an inflammation of the middle ear. When the bacterial or infections causing colds, sore throat and other breathing or respiratory problems spread to the middle ear, it results in inflammation of middle ear. Otitis externa, also known a swimmer’s ear or outer ear infection, is another type of ear infection found in adults.
Causes of Adult Ear Infections
Bacterial or viral infections are the most common cause of ear infections in adults. They reach the middle ear through the lining of Eustachian tube and develop the infection. It results in swelling of the lining of middle ear, which blocks the Eustachian tube. There is migration of white blood cells from the bloodstream to fight the infection. During this process, there is an accumulation of killed bacteria and dead white cells, resulting in formation of pus in the middle ear. Due to accumulation of pus, the eardrum and middle ear bones are unable to move freely, causing hearing trouble. As the infection worsens, there is a severe pain in the ear. People with allergies, certain birth defects such as cleft palate, nervous system abnormalities and Down syndrome are at higher risk for otitis media.
Otitis externa is caused by fungi or bacteria, which invade the ear under extremely wet or moist conditions. Frequent swimming increases the chances of infection. That’s why this type of infection is also known as swimmer’s ear.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults
Ear infections are less frequent in adults. If it affects adults, it causes the symptoms such as fever, ear pain, ear blockage, dizziness, temporary hearing loss, etc. However, it is not necessary that these symptoms indicate ear infection. They may be also due to other health problems. Some people experience an upset stomach or diarrhea and vomiting. If the eardrum is damaged or broken, then there is a leaking of the fluid from the ear.
Some of the common symptoms of otitis externa are itchiness in the ear, pain in the ear that worsens with the movement of ear lobe or jaw, discharge from the ear, temporary hearing loss, inflammation in the ear and a slight fever.
Diagnosing Adult Ear Infections
If you experience the signs and symptoms of ear infection, then you should immediately contact the doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor would carry out a physical examination and examine the ear canal for inflammation or accumulation of fluid. If there is an ear infection, then the ear canal may be red and swollen. There may also be a foul smelling discharge from the ear.
Treatment for Adult Ear Infections
A treatment for adult ear infections includes eardrops containing antibiotics or a course of oral antibiotics. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relive inflammation and pain.
| By Reshma Jirage Published: 8/20/2008 |
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