What is an ear infection?

It is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the part of the ear just behind the eardrum. The infection causes inflammation and fluid-build up which can be very painful.

Ear infections occurs when one of the auditory tubes get blocked or swell up. This is could arise due to:

• Allergies
• Cold
• Smoking
• Sinus
• Tonsils
• Climate change
• Altitude

Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort inside the ear
• Persistent pressure inside the ear
• Pus like liquid that drains from the ear
• Loss of hearing

These symptoms might be persistent or can come and go. It can affect one or both years and could be accompanied by fever. This infection can even affect infants.

Diagnosis and treatment

If the problem is persistent especially amongst infants it is best to consult a doctor. The doctor performs a simple diagnosis using focussed light and a magnifying glass. If you have the infection:

• Pus like fluid and redness inside the ear
• Bulging eardrum
• Perforations
• Fluid draining
• In advanced stages, a sample of the fluid is taken to find out what kind of bacteria has caused the infection.
• Mild infections clear off on their own. The doctor prescribes painkillers and eardrops to relieve pain and irritation. In certain cases, a course of antibiotics is prescribed while advanced stages might require surgery.