Ear infections afflict kids more than adults. Children are susceptible to this because of the structure of the eustachian tube connecting the ear with the nose at the back end. Respiratory viruses and flu can impact it, causing mucus buildup and inflammation. When this happens, the person gets an ear infection. In adults, this tube enjoys a vertical position, making it challenging for drainage and mucus to eventually reach the ear and nose’s back side. Since kids’ eustachian pipes tend to be narrow, short, and slightly horizontal, the infection risks remain high. Nevertheless, adults also need to be wary about their ear health.
Signs of ear infection in adults
A prominent symptom can be painful ears or ear fullness. It can impact your hearing power. Other signs to watch out for include jaw pain, irritation in the ear region, nausea, fever, itching, and chills. Many mild ear infections heal by themselves. Not treating them at the right time can lead to an increased sense of dizziness and swollen and painful bone at the back of the ear. As a result, it’s good to wait for a day or two.
Some recommend going for a check-up if you have an infection in your ears about three or more times in half a dozen months or four or more times throughout the year. But conditions like chronic pain, drainage, and difficulty hearing should prompt you to get in touch with a specialist as soon as possible.
Steps to take in the case of an ear infection
If you suspect an ear infection, visit a specialist well-known for Ear Nose Throat, Head & Neck Surgery. Their certification, experience, and vast knowledge allow them to look into multiple health conditions related to these parts and treat them. If an antibiotic can relieve your pain or any other symptom, they will recommend it. However, they will first check your medical record and test reports.
Some people usually go to general practitioners before going to specialists. But you can directly approach them. Make sure to choose a reliable clinic. Treatment may vary based on your infection status.
As mentioned, antibiotics can be one common feature. Or, the specialist may ask you to wait and watch as a part of the conservative management technique.
When none of the two works, they can suggest a procedure called myringoplasty. This treatment is to resolve recurring ear infections or hearing loss issues. In this method, the surgeon uses ear tissue as a graft to shield the perforation and to encourage the development of a new lining. Your ENT can administer general anaesthesia to do the surgery. Surgery can be over in 15 minutes and is safer.
Side effects are fewer, but the success rate is tremendous. Someone putting up with the fluid storage issue behind the eardrum for over three months after an ear infection may have to opt for this surgery. Still, surgery follows when the ear doesn’t clean the fluid on its own or antibiotics don’t help.
As noted earlier, adults don’t get ear infections that frequently. With certain habits, you can minimize the risks even more. For example, please keep your hands clean by washing them with soap and water. Use a napkin to sneeze or cough instead of covering your face with your palms. The virus or bacteria on the palms can easily travel back to your system.
