10 Injury Treatment Priorities at the Emergency Room
Understanding Your Ear Infection
How do ear infections happen? It's pretty simple. Sometimes, germs, like a virus or bacteria, can infect the inside of your ear. This can happen to anyone, although middle ear infections are more common in young kids than in adults.
The most common sign of an ear infection is an earache. It can be either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull discomfort that just doesn't go away. You can have it in one or both of your ears. You could also have symptoms like:
Your ear is made up of three sections:
The symptoms you have can hint at the area of your ear that's infected. But everyone is different. You'll need a doctor's exam to get an official diagnosis.
Outer ear infection symptoms
Your outer ear includes the pinna, the part of your ear which you can see, and the ear canal, a tunnel-like structure that leads to your middle ear. An outer ear infection is often called "swimmer's ear." That's because germs can grow in the tiny amount of moisture that may be left in your ears after you've been in a body of water like a pool or lake. But you don't have to be swimming to get an infection in this part of your ear. It can be caused by a scratch, pimple, or bug bite, too.
Signs of an outer ear infection can include:
Middle ear infection symptoms
Your middle ear is an air-filled chamber that's separated from your outer ear by your eardrum. The job of the middle ear is to turn sound waves into vibrations before they get to your inner ear. Doctors classify issues in this area a few different ways. For instance:
Acute otitis media. You can get an infection in your middle ear when fluid, like mucus, from a cold, allergies, or the flu gets trapped in your Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. You might notice soreness or pain that comes on suddenly.
Otitis media with effusion (OME). Sometimes, the fluid in your middle ear can build up to a severe degree. If so, your doctor will be able to look into your ear with a special device and see that your middle ear is bulging, or is full, of fluid. You might hear this called "glue ear." While OME can cause short-term hearing loss, this isn't an infection.
Chronic OME. If the fluid doesn't go away or goes away but keeps coming back, you may have this type of ear infection. Treating a chronic ear infection is important. If not, your hearing could be damaged for the long term.
Chronic suppurative otitis media. This diagnosis means that you have a hole, or tear, in your eardrum. It usually happens because of a long-lasting ear infection. If so, you may see pus, a milky fluid, coming from your ear.
Overall otitis media symptoms can include:
Inner ear infection symptoms
In this chamber of your ear, vibrations are turned into nerve signals that are then sent to your brain. This information is important not only for your hearing but also for helping you stay balanced.
Although inner ear infections, known as otitis interna, can happen to anyone, they're most common in adults aged between 30 and 60 years. A virus like shingles or the flu is often to blame.
Inner ear infection signs include:
What puts you at a risk of an ear infection?
Some health issues can make you more likely to get an ear infection as an adult.
For instance, eczema raises your risk of an outer ear infection. So does psoriasis. Living with diabetes puts you at a higher risk of a middle and inner ear infection.
Ear infections are one of the most common issues that pediatricians see. Between 80% and 90% of all kids will have at least one before they're old enough to go to school.
In kids, signs of an ear infection include:
Ear infection symptoms in babies
Babies and very young children (aged between 6 months and 2 years) are at the highest risk of an ear infection. But because they can't talk yet, they won't be able to tell you that one or both of their ears hurt.
Be on the lookout for signs like:
Some factors make an ear infection in kids and babies more likely, including:
Being of Hispanic, Native American, or Alaska Native heritage is also linked to a raised risk of ear infections.
A lot of the time, an ear infection can get better on its own. But sometimes, it may not clear up without treatment. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your ear infection treatment could include:
Antibiotics. Doctors try not to prescribe these medications too quickly. When they're used too often, germs can get resistant to them. Because of that, your doctor may give you a prescription for antibiotics, then ask you to wait two to three days to fill it, in case your or your child's immune system can fight off the infection on its own.
Antiviral medication. This is sometimes needed to help stop an infection in your inner ear.
Nasal steroid spray. This is needed to relieve ear inflammation.
Decongestant. This can help dry up extra fluid in your ears.
Antihistamines. These types of medications help with congestion. They stop your immune system from releasing a chemical called histamine that plays a role in inflammation.
Pain medication. While this can't help clear up your infection, it can help make you or child more comfortable. Your doctor may suggest an over-the-counter kind. Or they could prescribe a stronger type, including special numbing drops that go right into the ear. Always check with your doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter product and follow the label instructions exactly.
Surgery. Sometimes, a procedure called a myringotomy, or "ear tube surgery," is needed for severe or recurring middle ear infections. Tiny little plastic or metal cylinders, called tympanostomy tubes, are placed at the entrance of the eardrum. This helps any fluid drain more easily and prevents pressure from building up in the middle ear. While common in kids, ear tube surgeries are rarely needed for adults.
When to seek medical care
Call your doctor or seek help right awayif your child:
Trust your instincts. You know your child best.
If you're an adult, call your doctor and get immediate medical care if:
Ear infection complications
Don't put off seeing a doctor. Untreated ear infections can cause serious, and sometimes long-term, issues, such as:
Hearing loss. Sometimes, this is temporary, and your hearing will return to normal once your infection clears. But severe infections or infections that go away and come back can cause permanent hearing damage.
Delayed speech. Very young kids rely on hearing to learn how to speak. Not being able to hear well could slow down their ability to form words and understand others.
Eardrum tear. Between 5% and 10% of kids with ear infections develop a tear in their eardrum, which may need surgery to repair.
More severe infections. Although it's not common, an untreated ear infection could spread to your brain and spinal cord. This type of infection is called meningitis.
Bacteria and viruses can cause an infection in one or both of your ears. This can happen to anyone although it's more common in babies and kids. Sometimes, an ear infection will clear up on its own. If not, you'll need to see a doctor and start treatment so it doesn't cause complications, including permanent hearing loss. Remember that young kids and babies won't be able to tell you that their ear hurts. Know the symptoms of an ear infection to look out for, and call your doctor right away if you have concerns.
What is the quickest way to get rid of an ear infection?
You may feel better faster if you:
How do you prevent an ear infection?
To reduce the chances that your baby or child gets sick, you can:
Nurse your baby until they're at least 6 months old. Do this if it's an option. The antibodies in breastmilk are good for your baby's immune system.
Keep your baby upright when you bottle-feed them. Their head should be higher than their stomach so fluid doesn't back up into their Eustachian tubes.
Stay up-to-date on vaccines. One of the most common bacteria that causes ear infections can be prevented with the pneumococcal vaccine. The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend it for babies and young children younger than 5 years.
Quit smoking. And try to avoid being around others who smoke.
Wash your hands often. Encourage your child and others who live in your home to do the same.
Gently dry your child's ears with a towel after swimming. You can also use a hair dryer for a few seconds. Make sure it's on the lowest heat/speed setting and keep it several inches away from their ear.
Talk to your doctor. They can give you additional advice, especially if your child is prone to ear infections.
Can you fly with an ear infection?
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, air travel is usually okay — although taking off and landing may cause extra ear pain. That's due to air pressure changes. Chewing gum or taking a big swallow of water may help. If your baby or child has an ear infection, check with their doctor for advice on how to make them comfortable. Sucking on a pacifier may help.
8 Surprising Reasons Your Ears Won't Stop Itching And What To Do About It
That annoying ear itch is driving you crazy but we've got the solutions you never knew you needed
That maddening itch inside your ear isn't just annoying, it's trying to tell you something. While you might be tempted to grab the nearest pencil or paperclip to scratch that unreachable spot, we're here to tell you why that's a terrible idea and what you should do instead. The truth is, your ears are actually pretty complex and that itch could be your body's way of waving a red flag.
The 8 culprits behind your irritating ear itchFirst things first, put down whatever you were about to stick in your ear. Instead, try these expert-approved solutions that won't risk damaging your ear canal or making the problem worse. Remember, your ears are incredibly delicate and deserve gentle care.
Start with a few drops of mineral oil or specialized ear drops after your shower. This helps maintain the right moisture balance in your ear canal and can prevent that maddening itch from starting in the first place. Just make sure to use body-temperature drops to avoid making yourself dizzy.
If you're an earbud enthusiast, it's time to create a cleaning routine. Wipe down your earbuds daily with a slightly damp cloth and let them dry completely before using them again. Consider taking regular breaks from wearing them to let your ears breathe.
When that itch needs professional attentionWhile most ear itching is harmless, albeit annoying, there are times when you shouldn't just wait it out. If you notice any of these red flags, it's time to make an appointment with a healthcare provider:
Your ears start producing any kind of discharge, even if it's clear The itching comes with pain or pressure You notice changes in your hearing There's persistent ringing in your ears You feel dizzy or off-balance The skin around your ear becomes red or swollen
The truth about ears that doctors want you to knowYour ears are actually incredible at taking care of themselves. They have a sophisticated self-cleaning system that usually works perfectly until we interfere. That earwax you're so eager to clean out? It's actually protecting your ears from dust, debris and even harmful bacteria.
When you experience itching, it's usually happening in the outer ear canal, not deep inside where your eardrum is located. This is actually good news because it means most causes are easily treatable with the right approach.
Prevention is your best friendThe best way to deal with itchy ears is to prevent them from starting in the first place. Keep your ears dry after swimming or showering by tilting your head to each side. Consider using swimmer's earplugs if you spend a lot of time in the water.
Clean your earbuds and hearing aids regularly, and give your ears regular breaks from these devices. If you know you have allergies, talk to your doctor about managing them effectively to prevent ear irritation along with other symptoms.
Most importantly, resist the urge to clean inside your ears with cotton swabs or other objects. Your ears are designed to clean themselves, and interfering with this process often causes more problems than it solves.
The bottom line on itchy earsThat annoying itch in your ear is usually your body's way of telling you something's not quite right. While it's tempting to stick something in there for relief, the best approach is usually gentle care and prevention. By understanding what's causing your itchy ears and taking the right steps to address it, you can find relief without risking damage to these sensitive organs.
Remember, your ears are surprisingly good at taking care of themselves when we let them. Sometimes the best treatment is simply leaving them alone and letting their natural cleaning mechanisms do their job. If you're ever in doubt about what's causing your ear itch or how to treat it, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How To Get Rid Of Swimmer's Ear And When To See A Doctor
Swimmer's ear is the colloquial name for acute otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear. Though the nickname implies that you get the infection from swimming, you can contract swimmer's ear without ever setting foot (or ear) in water.
According to the CDC, swimmer's ear results in roughly 2.4 million doctor visits each year in the US. The condition rarely causes lasting damage, but it can be very uncomfortable. Here's how to get rid of swimmer's ear and avoid it in the future.
What is swimmer's ear?Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. It's "often precipitated or caused by moisture in the ears," says Emily Boss, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology, pediatrics, and health policy & management at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
That's why swimming is one of the primary causes of swimmer's ear because, "when water or precipitation hangs out in that ear canal, you can get an infection," says Boss.
An estimated 98% of cases of swimmer's ear in the US are caused by bacteria. And approximately 33% of those infections are due to multiple kinds of bacteria, not just one. The usual suspects include Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
But swimming isn't the only way moisture can get trapped in the ears. "You can also get it from headphones. You can get it from living in a humid environment. You can get it from wearing hearing aids," Boss says.
How to know if you have swimmer's earPeople with swimmer's ear "will have pain when they touch the outer ear, or when they touch that little flap of cartilage that is over the ear canal called the tragus," says Boss.
Itchiness of the outer ear and the presence of discharge and drainage are also common symptoms.
Swimmer's ear is often treated with antibioticsTo treat swimmer's ear, doctors will often prescribe antibiotics in the form of a "topical treatment, like drops and ointments," Boss says. "We try to avoid any oral or IV antibiotics; those are reserved for when people have middle ear infections," or if the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues.
Antibiotic ear drops help to clear up any infection, and steroid drops reduce painful inflammation. They also restore the ear canal's healthy pH levels, which harmful bacteria can throw off. Two common types of antibiotic drops for swimmer's ear are Ofloxacin and Cortisporin, says Boss.
Here's a 5-step guide for how to administer ear drops correctly:
A typical dose is ten drops twice a day for two weeks.
Under extreme circumstances when the ear canal has swollen shut and drops cannot be administered normally, a doctor will craft a wick to help gain access to the infection and administer treatment.
Boss likens an ear wick to "a little syringe or a tampon that gets inserted into the ear canal, then filled with medicinal drops. [When] it expands, it allows the entire area to be treated all the way to the eardrum."
When you're treating swimmer's ear, you should avoid swimming or otherwise submerging your ear in water. Boss says you should also avoid touching the ear or the area around it and stop using earbuds — particularly if you live in a hot climate and are prone to sweating.
Try home remedies for repeat infectionsMost cases of swimmer's ear are treated with antibiotics. However, if you're prone to swimmer's ear and experience repeat infections frequently, you may not need a prescription every time you get an infection.
For repeat infections, the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics says you can try mixing a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar.
"Take white vinegar, mix it with rubbing alcohol, or just do vinegar on its own and put a little bit in the ear," Boss says. Once you have the solution ready, Boss says to wet a cotton ball, gently place it over the ear canal, and then massage it around. You may also try to drop it carefully into your ear.
Since cases of acute otitis externa are usually treated with prescription antibiotics, you should discuss with your doctor whether home remedies are right for you. And if, at any point, your earache is accompanied by fever, or the pain is unbearable, you should schedule a doctor's visit right away.
How to prevent swimmer's earThe safest way to prevent swimmer's ear is to keep your ears relatively dry and moisture-free.
When possible, opt to swim in a chlorinated pool over a lake to reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria. Also, clean and disinfect your earbuds regularly, and let them dry before using, again.
Above all else, don't insert anything like cotton swabs or bobby pins into your ears, even under the premise of removing ear wax. Ear wax is one of the body's natural mechanisms for protecting the ear and should be left alone. For more information, check out Insider's guide on how to remove stubborn earwax.
The bottom lineWithout proper treatment, even a mild case of swimmer's ear may result in a prolonged infection and resulting discomfort. In rare cases, you could suffer more serious side effects like:
Swimmer's ear is typically treated with prescription antibiotics. However, if you spend a lot of time in the water or in warm, moist environments you may be prone to repeat infections. If this is the case, ask your doctor if a home remedy is an acceptable method of treatment.
More importantly, take steps to prevent infection in the first place by drying your ears and disinfecting your earbuds regularly.
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