Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Treatment in Chembur, Mumbai

An ear infection occurs in the middle ear region. It is also known as otitis media. Middle ear is the air-filled space right behind the eardrum which also has the minute vibrating ear bones. 

Children and infants are more vulnerable to otitis media than adults. An otolaryngologist is an ENT specialist whom one can visit for an ear infection.

What do we need to know about ear infection?

When the middle ear behind the eardrum suffers inflammation and is infected, it is an ear infection. There is a eustachian tube which runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Usually, in an ear infection, this tube becomes swollen or gets blocked. This leads to the fluid getting trapped in the middle ear itself, causing the infection or an inflammation. 

In children and infants, this tube is a bit more horizontal and shorter than that in adults. This increases the chances of infection in children and infants. Ear infection or otitis media can be quite painful. 

To seek treatment, you can consult an ENT specialist near you or visit an ENT hospital near you.

What are the types of ear infections?

There are three types of ear infections or otitis media:

• Acute otitis media (AOM): In AOM, fluid and mucus get accumulated inside the middle ear causing redness, irritation and swelling. 
• Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME): In COME, the fluid stays in the middle ear for an extended period of time or even returns again, without an infection. COME may even cause hearing loss.
• Otitis media with effusion (OME): In OME, the fluid and mucus get trapped in the middle ear, even after an initial infection is alleviated. OME may cause hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

There are few major symptoms which indicate an ear infection like:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Fluid discharge from the ear
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of balance
• Irritation in the ear
• Ear pain
• Headache

There are other symptoms which may be a sign of an ear infection in children and infants like sleeplessness, crying, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. However, these issues may also arise if there are some other problems, so it is important to visit an ENT doctor in Mumbai for diagnosis of the actual problem.

What are the causes of ear infection?

• Sinus infection
• Adenoids infection or swelling
• Cigarette smoke
• Respiratory infection
• Allergies
• Cold and flu

When do you need to see a doctor?

In case you experience the symptoms of an ear infection and it lasts for more than a few days, you should visit a doctor. You may visit a child doctor if the patient is a child or infant or else you can visit an ENT surgeon known as an otolaryngologist, who specializes in ear infections. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is ear infection diagnosed?

For diagnosis of an ear infection, your child specialist or an ENT surgeon in Mumbai may start with a physical examination and a medical history study. The physical examination includes the outer ear and the eardrum. 

An otolaryngologist uses an otoscope for the physical examination which helps them to examine the insides of an ear. A pneumatic otoscope blows an air puff into the ear and the eardrum movement is checked. 

For checking the functioning of the middle ear, a tympanometry test is also performed. It helps in diagnosing the issue by detecting the pressure on the middle ear. However, it is difficult to perform this diagnostic test in infants and children because one needs to stay calm for it. A hearing test can also be performed for those who have persistent ear infections.

How are ear infections treated?

Once the infection is diagnosed, the otolaryngologist will decide on the treatment for it. The treatment is based upon:

• Medical history
• Age factor
• Tolerance for medications
• Level of medical condition

The treatments for an ear infection depends on the condition’s criticality. Options include: 

• Pain medications
• Antibiotic medication (liquid)
• Surgery

If the fluid and mucus remain in the middle ear for a prolonged period, surgery is needed. Myringotomy is the surgical process for it. It is done by making a cut for discharging fluid and relieving the pressure on the middle ear. A tiny tube is then placed in the eardrum's opening to ventilate the middle ear and stop fluid accumulation. This tube generally falls out by itself in 10-12 months. 

Your otolaryngologist may also suggest adenoids removal in children if they are also infected. 

Conclusion

Ear infection needs attention. You should consult an otolaryngologist or an ENT surgeon at the earliest to avoid any complications. If diagnosed early, the ear infection can be treated only with medication, without any surgery.