Not all ear infections are the same. Depending on the cause, severity and location of your infection, your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see treatment approach or prescribe a course of antibiotics. Understanding which types of infections require medication and which will resolve on their own is important, as untreated ear infections can have serious side effects.
Understanding the Types of Ear Infections
The pain and discomfort associated with an ear infection occurs when fluid builds up in the ear because of swelling or inflammation. A virus (cold or flu) or bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae) is usually the cause of this buildup.
Acute Otitis Media
Known as a middle ear infection, this condition commonly affects children. Eustachian tubes connect your middle ear and upper throat and are responsible for regulating pressure and draining fluid. These tubes are smaller in children and can become easily blocked. When this happens, fluid can build up in the middle ear and an infection may occur. This will result in an earache, discharge from the ear and a fever.
Otitis Media with Effusion
This ear condition occurs after the infection within the middle ear has cleared up but fluid still remains built up in the ear. Symptoms are similar to acute otitis media, including a fever and ear pain.
Otitis Externa
Known as swimmer’s ear, this condition occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear. Bacteria can then begin to grow in the outer ear and cause an infection.
Use of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are only useful for treating current bacterial infections. The cause of your ear infection and severity of your symptoms determines if your doctor decides to wait a few days to see if your symptoms resolve or prescribes a round of antibiotics immediately.
Mild ear infections often go away on their own. After two or three days without improvement, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- Fever of 102.2°F or higher
- Trouble sleeping
- Hearing problems
- Ear pain
- Balance issues
- Not responding to sounds
To learn more about how to treat your ear infection or to schedule an appointment with an experienced ear doctor, contact San Diego ENT today.