Inflammation and infection of the ear canal can caused by either bacteria or viruses. The condition commonly affects children, especially after an upper respiratory infection. This is because the pathogens within the oral cavity gain easy access to the ear via the eustachian tube.
Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Ear pain
- Jaw pain
- Swelling of the ear
- Swelling of the pinna
- Swelling of the ear drum
- Redness of the ear drum
- Redness of the ear
- Itchy ear
- Purulent discharge from the ear
- Hearing loss
Types of ear infection:
- Otitis externa
- Acute diffuse otitis externa
- Acute external otitis (infection of hair follicles)
- Eczematous otitis externa (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema)
- Otitis media
- Necrotizing otitis media
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of otitis (ear infection) is based mainly on history, physical exam, including otoscopic examination. Ear discharge may be collected for analysis and potential growth and isolation of an offending organism.
A physician may also rinse the ear with lukewarm water, in an attempt to clean the ear canal. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin as the mainstay of therapy. Analgesic ear drops may also be administered to decrease the pain.
Tips from others
Chewing gum. Xylitol which can be found in some chewing gums may help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, it fights bacteria and plaque. Xylitol may also help unclog the ear, thereby reducing pain associated with inflammation.
Camphor oil. Dip a Q-tip in camphor oil and insert it into the affected ear. The oil will warm the inside of your ear and decrease the pain.
Dip small cloth in hot water, take it out and wring it. Place the cloth near the affected ear and hold it there until the cloth cools off. The humid air may help increase circulation in the area of the ear and reduce swelling and pain.
Warning
Only your physician will know best how to treat your ear infection. Always seek proper medical care. In many cases only antibiotics may help fight the infection.
