Middle Ear Infection
What is Middle Ear Infection?
Middle ear infection, or acute otitis media, happens when germs manage to multiply within the small pocket of the middle ear, causing our body to produce antibodies that combat the infection, and inadvertently forming pus which causes pressure to build up against our eardrum. Children suffer from middle ear infection more than adults, probably because the Eustachian tubes of children are shorter and are lesser capable in pushing air in and out of the middle ear. As children grow, their Eustachian tubes also develop, making it easier to control the entry and exit of air and other components to the middle ear.
Causes of Ear Infection
Some people believe that middle ear infection is something you can catch from others, although in truth, middle ear infections can be caused indirectly by catching the contagious “cold”, experiencing bouts of allergic reactions, and through experiencing head trauma which can cause ear inflammation. Catching a cold, flu, or experiencing allergy causes the Eustachian tube, a tube that connects the back of the mouth to the ear, to become clogged up. As a result, the germs that managed to enter the tube and linger within the middle ear get trapped. The warm, moist environment of the middle ear can encourage these germs to spread and cause an infection. As more pus accumulates within the middle ear, the more painful the middle ear infection will be. The pain is caused by the force of the pressure of the fluid against the eardrum. Too much pressure may result to poor hearing and, eventually, rupture of the eardrum (which causes instantaneous relief from pain)
Remedies for Ear Infections
Most ear infections clear up by themselves within 2-3 days. This is the reason why doctors often use the “wait-and-see” principle in treating middle ear infections. However, some cases of severe ear infection may require the administration of antibiotics. An antibiotic treatment should be completed even after the alleviation of pain to make sure that the body has completely fought off the infection.
In cases where the pus is forcefully pushing against the eardrum, painkillers may be administered until the antibiotics work. A procedure wherein a tube is inserted into the tympanic membrane to drain off the fluid may also be executed in chronic middle ear infection. Suffering from inner ear infections is truly stressful and tiring, especially if children experience it. At the onset of pain, consult your doctor to know if it is a middle ear infection and to get immediate medical treatment.
