What to Know Before Browsing the Net for Middle Ear Infection Treatments Middle ear infections are more frequent in children. Adults can also suffer from such affections, yet 75% of all cases affect children under 10. The middle year is located behind the tympanum and has three small bones that move when noise reaches them. Usually, this space is filled with air. But sometimes, random infections cause swelling, and the area is covered in mucus or liquid. That's how infections occur. Usually, it's just one ear that needs treatment, but this isn't a general rule. Before asking your doctor or scouting the Internet for middle ear infection treatments, make sure you know everything about causes and symptoms.
Causes of Middle Ear Infections Middle ear infections are extremely popular in kids. This is because they're still growing, so small parts of the ear are not entirely developed. Respiratory infections – especially colds – may also be among the popular causes in children. As a direct consequence, a respiratory infection prevents the ear secretions from draining. The accumulation of liquids becomes an ideal environment for the development of bacteria and certain viruses, which only mean one thing – an inevitable middle ear infection. Three common bacteria cause up to 70% of bacterial infections. Fortunately, they are plenty of treatments against them. Apart from colds, sinusitis, and respiratory infections, other risk factors include:
A problematic immune system Gender – males are more frequently affected
Allergies The exposure to tobacco smoke Bottle feeding in babies
Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections The classic middle ear infection occurs just a few days after a cold or another respiratory infection. Symptoms show up overnight and can be confusing. For example, fever, nausea, and loss of appetite are common flu symptoms as well, so parents may often overlook the ear infection. But then, some other signs are more obvious. Ear pains are usually mild, but they can be severe too. In the worst cases, patients can partially lose hearing for a few days. Some symptoms make it clear that there's a problem in the ear. Other signs might be irrelevant – losing balance occasionally. The accumulation of mucus (and sometimes pus) in the middle ear can determine severe discomfort at this level – cracking noises, high pitch noises and the abnormal sensation of plenitude. If the problem is not addressed immediately, the pressure keeps growing and may break the tympanum. The pus goes out, and the pain disappears. A tympanum explosion can heal by itself within a few weeks. In the end, middle ear infections represent a basic issue. They're common, and they can be treated without too much hassle, without even seeing a doctor. However, don't overlook them or they might aggravate and lead to more severe issues.