What causes middle ear infection?

When we suffer from a cold or any other infection which affects the upper airways the tubes which are called the Eustachian tubes and whose purpose it is to drain the ears into the throat can become swollen due to them being filled with excess mucous.

These tubes are the ones that we commonly refer to when we say our ears pop onboard on plane, if the tubes get blocked then the normal drainage of the tubes wont occur and the blockage can become stagnant, if this happens then middle ear infection will develop. The reason children are more prone to this is because their tubes are narrower than an adults to start with, however people of all ages can still get middle ear infection.

What are the symptoms of middle ear infection?

• Pain in the ear, this is often very intense.
• A discharge or fluid leaking from the ear.
• Vomiting.
• Hearing loss ranging from mild to moderate loss.
• Dizzy or light headedness.
• Young children may tug at their earlobe due to the pain.
• Redness around the ear or just inside the ear.
• A young child may shake their head from side to side.
• A young child will cry persistently especially if they lay on the affected ear.

What treatment is given?

If you suspect you or your child has middle ear infection then you should go and see your doctor, middle ear infection is very unpleasant due to the pain it can cause and the symptoms of dizziness. Your doctor will look in your ear with an auriscope to determine if you have a middle ear infection, if you do then treatment to relieve the pain will be given, this is then usually followed up by a course of antibiotics.

What can I do to prevent middle ear infection?

Prevention of middle ear infection is usually aimed towards children who have had reoccurring attacks of middle ear infection, sometimes in children the glandular tissue at the lower end of the Eustachian tube which is called the adenoids enlarges and this can block the tubes. If this is the case then your doctor may suggest an operation to remove the adenoids, this however is only in recurrent attacks of middle ear infection.