Ear Infections - Causes and Symptoms
April 21st 2009 03:56
Causes and predisposing factors
Outer Ear Infections
Skin diseases
Water entering ear canal
Ear trauma
Earwax
Middle Ear Infections
Frequent upper respiratory tract infections
Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of mucous membrane of nose
Enlarged adenoids causing immune deficiency
Diabetes mellitus
Middle ear infections are more acute during monsoon and winter
Inner Ear Infections
Viral/bacterial respiratory infections
Age group prone to ear infections
Middle ear infections and fluid accumulation are common in children in the 3-6 years age group
Chronic middle and outer ear infections can affect all age groups
Symptoms
Ear pain and itching
Ear discharge with pus
Occasional bleeding
Hearing loss
Occasional ringing in ears
Dizziness
Signs of Infection
Inflamed ear canal skin
Abscess formation
Congested eardrum
Perforation and pus discharge in eardrum
Fact
Untreated middle ear infections can cause permanent loss of hearing, facial nerve paralysis. In rare cases, it can even cause intracranial complications like meningitis and brain abscess
Treatment
Medication to control infection
Abscesses require drainage
Some patients require middle ear surgery
Precautions and prevention
Dont insert pins, matchsticks, ear-bud deep into the ear canal
Avoid water entry while bathing and swimming
Treat upper respiratory infections
Go for a protein-rich diet
Avoid frequent exposure to cold (climate, food or drinks)
Maintain personal hygiene
Outer Ear Infections
Skin diseases
Water entering ear canal
Ear trauma
Earwax
Middle Ear Infections
Frequent upper respiratory tract infections
Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of mucous membrane of nose
Enlarged adenoids causing immune deficiency
Diabetes mellitus
Middle ear infections are more acute during monsoon and winter
Inner Ear Infections
Viral/bacterial respiratory infections
Age group prone to ear infections
Middle ear infections and fluid accumulation are common in children in the 3-6 years age group
Symptoms
Ear pain and itching
Ear discharge with pus
Occasional bleeding
Hearing loss
Occasional ringing in ears
Dizziness
Signs of Infection
Inflamed ear canal skin
Abscess formation
Congested eardrum
Perforation and pus discharge in eardrum
Fact
Untreated middle ear infections can cause permanent loss of hearing, facial nerve paralysis. In rare cases, it can even cause intracranial complications like meningitis and brain abscess
Treatment
Medication to control infection
Abscesses require drainage
Some patients require middle ear surgery
Precautions and prevention
Dont insert pins, matchsticks, ear-bud deep into the ear canal
Avoid water entry while bathing and swimming
Treat upper respiratory infections
Go for a protein-rich diet
Avoid frequent exposure to cold (climate, food or drinks)
Maintain personal hygiene
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