Ear infections are most common in children, but can occur in anyone. Usually, ear infections can be treated using antibiotics. In more severe or prolonged cases, you may be referred to an ENT consultant for further treatment.
Causes of Ear infections
- Middle ear infections can produce symptoms such as earache, deafness, high temperature and possibly blood and pus if the eardrum has burst. If a middle ear infection is frequently recurring or an eardrum is taking a long time to heal, it may be necessary to operate.
- Outer ear infections cause symptoms including itching, pain, dulled hearing and discharge coming from the ear
- The most common cause of ear infection is bacterial or viral infections. These bacteria or viruses enter the ears if the individual is suffering from a cold, flu or allergy or other breathing problems and spread the infection to the middle ear.
Treatment for Ear Infections
Surgery is recommended in severe or recurring cases of ear infection if the antibiotics fail to clear the infections. Surgery involves placement of a grommet, a small ventilating tube into the eardrum. This tube allows the air to pass in allowing the fluid to drain out and also prevents the fluid accumulation behind the ear.