Ear infection symptoms and treatment
Middle ear infection symptoms may vary between individuals in character and intensity. The most common ear infection symptoms are: ear pain, discomfort and in some cases an itchy ear.
The onset of ear infection symptoms is rapid. It is extremely important to detect ear infection symptoms at an early stage in order to determine accurate treatment and prevent further complications (such as ruptured eardrum and hearing loss). Usually, ear infection symptoms arise due to a bacterial or viral infection in the fluid that builds up inside the middle ear. In many cases, ear infection symptoms follow an upper respiratory-related infection, such as a common cold, or a fever.
Ear infection symptoms may vary in intensity from one person to another. The most common symptom of an infection is ear pain. However, it is important to note that the pain does not necessarily indicate a middle ear infection. Ear pain may occur due to fluid buildup in the middle ear (e.g. after a cold) or it may be related to “referred pain” such as a toothache.
Ear infection symptoms in children and adults can include:
• Increased irritability and inconsolable crying (especially in toddlers and young children)
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and vertigo
• Fever or high temperature may occur as well
• Loss of balance
• Discharge or increased secretion from the ear
• Diminished hearing
• Plugged ear or fullness sensation in the ear
• Perforation of eardrum in some cases, which leads to mucus outburst and usually relieves pain. A perforated eardrum should heal by itself within a few weeks and should not be a cause of concern.
Additional symptoms that may appear in some cases:
• Thick and glue-like fluid
• Inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Diminished hearing in the affected ear
• Increased likelihood of ruptured eardrum.
When the ear infection is caused by bacterial infection additional ear infection symptoms may appear, including:
• High fever
•
Flu-like symptoms (especially in children) such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and apathy
•
Hearing impairment.
Treatment for ear infections:
There are a few treatments that can be considered for ear infections. Some are natural and some are drugs and antibiotics. When starting a treatment, make sure the treatment is for the problem and not the symptoms. Many antibiotics treat symptoms (and act like pain killers) instead of taking care of the problem in the ear infection – the fluids and air accumulated in the middle ear. Taking the pain away does not mean that the problem will be solved, and the result can be recurring infections. Depending on its origin and severity, Ear Doc may resolve the underlying cause of an ear infection (pressure or fluid build-up) and allow it to heal without the need for medication or other treatment.
Recently, the AAP (the American Academy of Pediatrics have issued new guidelines regarding diagnosis, treatment and parental care of ear infections. The main conclusions drawn from these guidelines is that “Watch & wait” is recommended before taking any antibiotics. Take the time, breath deeply, and, even if your kid is suffering, wait for 48-72hours before you start antibiotics. Also suggested on the guidelines is to keep track of vaccines schedules (flu shots and prevnar13 in particular). Want to know more? A great article posted online by the Huffington Poast summarizes these new and improved guidelines for treatment of ear infections.
Among the possible treatments used in a holistic approach to treatment are a variety of natural oils & extracts (such as garlic oil and onion oil) and herbal teas, i. Also recommended are treatments that can effectively drain the fluids from the middle ear.
Eardoc – the best solution to treat an ear infection and relieve ear pain
Because proper Eardoc use often effectively results in resolution of fluid and/or pressure build up in the middle ear, it provides:
• Alternative to ear tube surgery
• Immediate ear pain relief
• Suitable treatment for both children and adults.
Eardoc is a non-invasive approved medical device for middle ear infection (Otitis media) treatment and other conditions involving ear pain in children and adults.