An ear infection is a form of viral or bacterial infection that usually affects a particular area of your ear behind the eardrum, as well as your inner and outer ear. Ear infections can be acute or chronic. Acute infections are very painful but last for a short period of time, while chronic ear infections often recur. They also permanently damage the inner and middle parts of your ear. In this post, we will tell you everything you should know about ear infections and the possible treatment solutions offered by a specialist for ear, nose, throat in Schaumburg.

What Is an Ear Infection?

Ear infections primarily affect the air-filled space behind your eardrum that contains the small vibrating bones of your ear (middle ear). Since ear infections tend to disappear on their own, you can start by monitoring and clearing the pain with antibiotics. In most cases, ear infections are more common among children compared to adults.

Symptoms of Ear Infections

The symptoms of ear infection might clear up on their own or persist. Severe cases of ear infections are usually more painful as both of the ears are infected. Some of the main symptoms of ear infection are:

  • Difficulty in hearing
  • A recurrent feeling of pressure in your inner ear
  • Release of pus-like substance from the ear.
  • Mild pain or discomfort inside your ear

Unlike acute ear infections, most of the symptoms of chronic ear infections are less noticeable. In addition to these symptoms, young children can also exhibit the following:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • Restlessness or fussiness
  • Frequently losing body balance
  • Frequent pulling or rubbing of the ear
  • Not reacting to certain pitchy sounds
  • Fever

When Should You See a Doctor?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you consult your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Persistent symptoms for more than 2-3 days
  • Pus-like drainage from the ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Worsening symptoms
  • A fever over 102.2°f
  • Any other worrying symptoms

 Ear Infection Treatments

Typically, the type of treatment offered for ear infections mainly depends on the outcome of your medical examination, as well as the extent and frequency of your ear infection symptoms. After the exam, your doctor may prescribe some pain-relieving medications or antibiotics.

Another effective treatment for ear infections is balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube, which helps restore normal drainage in your ear. For severe ear infection cases, your doctor may have to suction the pus-like substance out of your ears by placing tiny tubes in your ears to help with the suction process.

Conclusion

Ear infections are more of a worrying concern among babies and young children than adults. In most cases, the leading cause of ear infection among children is a structural problem within their throat, nose, or ear. That is why at Exhale Sinus and Facial Pain Center, professional otolaryngologist Ryan Vaughn, MD, and his skilled medical team initially examine the structure of your throat, nose, and ears to locate the immediate cause of your persistent ear infection. For a free consultation, schedule an appointment online or visit our offices in Schaumburg, Illinois.