Bacterial infections of external ear

 

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

The infection usually affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing because sound cannot get through all that fluid.

Signs and Symptoms 

Common symptoms include:

1. Tugging at ears

2. Crying more than usual

3. Fluid draining from the ear

4. Trouble sleeping

5. Balance difficulties

6. Hearing problems

 

 

Your doctor will diagnose an ear infection by looking inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. Blood investigations will be done to find the cause of infection. 

 

 

1. Often, mild ear infections go away on its own. Your doctor may recommend pain relievers.

2. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotics.

3. Children who get infections often may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears.