Symptoms of Ear Infections – How to Treat?
Infections within the ear can have a serious effect on your overall health and your hearing capacity. These can affect various ear areas such as the eardrum, the middle ear and the ear canal. Therefore, ear infections ultimately lead to distress, hearing loss and other similar forms of pain. Depending on the infection, treatments, symptoms, and diagnosis can differ and it must be handled by an experienced ENT doctor.
Inner Ear Infection Symptoms
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Balancing problems
Loss of hearing
Pain in ears
Ear ringing or tinnitus
Ear Infection
A virus is the most prevalent cause of an inner ear infection, it even could be bacterial.
Most outer ear infections (swimming ear, outer ear otitis) or middle ear infections (otitis medium) are mild and disappear within a week or two. Disturbances of the inner ear may last longer.
Most of the ear infections are middle ear infections (otitis media). Middle ear infections are a little different and include earache, fever and ear canal discharge. Because otitis mediums also present with a high-level respiratory infection, sinus, sore throat, runny nose are other symptoms.
Hearing problems from the infected ear in inner ear infections are more frequent than middle ear infections.
Inner ear infections can also cause dizziness, vomiting and nausea symptoms that typically are not middle ear infections.
Ear Infection Treatment
Since ear infections may cause serious problems and even hearing loss, it is vital that care is obtained as soon as possible. The sooner it starts, care is generally more effective. In addition, the treatment for ear infection generally differs according to the form, extent and immune system of the infection. The best treatment for one patient may not be right for another. But here are only two remedies to combat ear infections.
Rest
Rest is an important part of ear care. Physical rest can help prevent further ear damage which could lead to temporary or even permanent hearing loss. You should also rest your ear in order to limit exposure to loud noises that may further damage your ear and contribute to hearing loss.
Medication
ENT doctors can help people deal with ear infections by prescribing antibiotics or other medicines. Many types of antibiotics are used to treat bacterial ear infections, including an antibiotic class known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The symptoms of ear infections should also be managed not only to alleviate patient pain but also the risk of recurring symptoms.
Over the counter or prescription medications may treat pain caused by ear infection. Inflammation and swelling with oral or injectable steroids can be treated. In addition, pseudoephedrine, taken orally, may also help to reduce the ear pressure. However, it is highly recommended to consult an ENT doctor in OKC at OKOA before taking any medications or pills.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.