Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Ear infection or otitis media is a common medical condition found particularly in young children. It is usually accompanied by a cold or respiratory infection due to the connection between the ear and the throat. Ear infections are treatable and require medical attention from your child’s paediatrician or an ear infection specialist in Bangalore, if you have an infection.
Left untreated, otitis media can lead to severe complications that will require extensive medical care.

What do we need to know about otitis media?

An ear can be sectioned into three parts – the outer ear, which is the part we can see leading up to the eardrum, the middle ear and the inner ear. The middle ear consists of three tiny bones. When the middle ear is infected, the condition is known as otitis media or an ear infection. The middle ear is connected to the throat through the Eustachian tube, which makes it easy for germs from throat infections and colds to travel.

What are the different types of ear infection?

There can be three types of ear infections. These include:

• Acute otitis media – This type of infection occurs suddenly and is usually accompanied by severe ear pain and fever.
• Otitis media with effusion – Fluid builds up in the middle ear even after the initial infection subsides. It can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or can even affect your hearing.
• Chronic otitis media with effusion – The fluid continues to remain in the middle ear for a long period of time or returns periodically even if there is no infection.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Symptoms of an ear infection will vary for children and adults. However, the onset of symptoms will be quick in both cases.
The symptoms of otitis media in children include:

• Irritability
• Ear pain when lying down
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Fever
• Crying more than usual
• Fussiness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of balance

Symptoms of the condition in adults include:

• Difficulty in hearing
• Fluid discharge from the ear
• Loss of balance
• Extreme nausea
• Ear pain

Make a note of all such symptoms, particularly in young children, and consult an ear infection specialist in Koramangala.

What are the causes of an ear infection?

An ear infection is caused due to bacteria or virus in the middle ear. This is usually due to other illnesses that affect the throat since it is connected to the ear through the Eustachian tube. The infection of the middle ear occurs when this tube is blocked, causing buildup of fluid in the ears. The Eustachian tube can get blocked due to the following reasons:

• Cold
• Flu
• Sinus infection
• Allergies
• Infection of the adenoids
• Drinking when lying down
• Smoking

Children are more susceptible to ear infections since their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than in adults. Please seek ear infection treatment in Koramangala for children as soon as you notice any signs of an infection.

When should you see a doctor?

You should seek medical advice from an ear infection specialist in Bangalore if you notice or experience symptoms of an ear infection. Please visit your doctor if:

• The symptoms persist for more than a day
• The ear pain is severe
• There is a discharge of fluid from the ear
• The symptoms present in your child who is less than 6 months old
• Your toddler is irritable or not able to sleep after a cold or respiratory infection

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risk factors for an ear infection?

The risk factors for an ear infection include the following:

• Children below the age of 36 months
• Using a pacifier
• Bottle feeding over breastfeeding
• Exposure to high pollution levels
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• Drinking while lying down, particularly in case of infants
• Changes in altitude
• Changes in weather
• Living in a cold climate
• Recent illnesses like cold, flu or respiratory infection

What are the complications of an ear infection?

If an ear infection is not treated quickly or if you tend to get ear infections regularly, then you might face the following complications:

• Impaired hearing
• Speech development delays in children
• Spread of the infection to nearby tissues
• Eardrum perforation

How can an ear infection in children be prevented?

You can try the following measures or tips to reduce the possibility of an ear infection.

• Prevent colds and other respiratory infections
• Bottle-feed only in the upright position
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Vaccinate against common respiratory illnesses

How is an ear Infection treated?

The treatment for an ear infection will depend on the age of the patient and the type of infection. Usually, doctors recommend a wait-and-watch approach for younger children since the infection usually clears up on its own within one or two weeks. In the meantime, they might prescribe medication and anaesthetic drops to help manage the pain.

If the infection does not clear on its own, or if an adult is a patient, the doctor might prescribe a round of antibiotics to clear the infection.

In some cases, the fluid buildup will be drained during an outpatient procedure.

The condition must be monitored closely and you must attend follow-up appointments with your doctor.

Conclusion

Otitis media or an ear infection can be an uncomfortable condition, especially for young children. Please seek medical attention if you or your child experience the symptoms of such an infection and follow the advice given by your doctor.