How to Deal With Ear Infection Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many people do not view otitis, the medical term for ear infection, as a serious issue. An ear infection, however, can cause so much discomfort that a person must seek medical care as soon as possible when it occurs.

The outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear are three basic parts of the human ear, each with their own unique functions. Different forms of ear infections have different clinical manifestations and should be classified accordingly.

Otitis Externa

Children and swimmers are more likely to contract an outer ear infection, also known as otitis externa. As a result of swimming in polluted water, it is often called "swimmer's ear". The skin of children's ears can be damaged and microscopic tears can occur if they scratch them often with their fingers or use contaminated objects, such as cotton buds. Additionally, children may place foreign objects inside the ear canal that may lodge in the ear.

It is common to have problems with the pinna (visible part of the ear) and the external auditory canal. In Otitis externa, movable pinnas cause extreme pain. A redness, swelling, constriction, itching, and temporary loss of hearing are other symptoms of outer ear infections.

Aspergillus and Candida Albicans, as well as bacteria like Psuedomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common pathogens.

Otitis Media

Usually, Otitis media arises as a complication from upper respiratory tract infections, causing inflammation of the eustachian tube and tympanic membrane. These tubes allow pathogens to travel from the pharynx to the middle ear.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen responsible for bacterial Otitis Media. In addition to Hemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, other bacteria are also frequently responsible for the disease.

The two most common pathogens associated with viral otitis media are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rotavirus (RV).

A healed underlying cause will often eliminate signs and symptoms. As a result of fluid accumulation, the patient may suffer from severe ear pain. There is an inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which prevents the draining of fluid. When the ear drum ruptures, fluids and pus are discharged from the ear. Pain relief and pressure can be provided by perforation, however.

Fever, tinnitus, fullness inside the ear, temporary hearing impairment, and irritability are also common symptoms of middle ear infections.

If the concomitant symptoms of acute otitis media persist for more than 3 months, and there is drainage and perforation of the tympanic membrane, the condition is diagnosed as chronic.

Otitis Interna

Viral and bacterial infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and otitis media can reach the inner ear. A key clinical symptom of this is vertigo and trouble keeping balance. While moving your head and changing your position, your inner ear maintains your balance. Dizziness and imbalance are common symptoms of inner ear infection (Otitis Interna).

Sound waves must pass through the inner ear before they can be heard. The auditory cortex of the brain receives electrical impulses from this mechanism. In addition to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing of the ears), patients who have inner ear infections experience incapacitating loss of balance. There is also nystagmus (slow, repeated, monodirectional eye movements involuntarily) associated with this condition problems with the vestibular-ocular reflex. In addition to nausea and vomiting, severe dizziness can also cause psychological disturbances.

Diagnostic Tools For Ear infections

Visual observation of the eardrums, a history of the disease, as well as documentation of ear infection symptoms are all necessary for a physician to make an accurate diagnosis.

When the ear-drum responds to air pressure, the Pneumatic Otoscope evaluates middle-ear function. To make the ear-drum react to sound, a Tympanometer uses sound waves that change air pressure.

When finding out if you have conductive or sensory hearing loss, a Tuning Fork can be an excellent tool. For more detailed analysis, an audiometer may be used to determine hearing loss conditions.

Electronystagmography can be used for vertigo and balance problems to determine whether the oculovestibular reflex is working properly by analyzing involuntary eye movements (Nystagmus)

Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and dizziness and tinnitus can be assessed through more advanced tests. Simple balance tests such as the Standing Stork Test may be performed with close-in assistance to prevent injury from falls.

Ear Infection Treatments

Topical antibiotics and steroid ear drops are accepted methods of treatment for ear infections of the outer ear. Otomycosis, or Singapore Ear, can be treated with antifungal azole ointments such as Clotrimazole and Ketoconazole.

Amoxicillin is the main treatment for otitis media. For people with sensitivities or intolerable side effects, antibiotics of the following classes should be considered: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim or Co-trimoxazole, Cephalosporin, Erythromycin and Azithromycin. Myringotomy (incision of the eardrum) and Tympanostomy tube placement can promote middle ear fluid drainage and ventilation.

Viral medications, as well as corticosteroids, like Prednisone, are prescribed as complementary treatment for Otitis interna infections of viral origin. Antibiotics such as those used for Otitis media infection may also be used for bacterial infections. In order to relieve anxiety, vomiting and vertigo, antiemetics such as Diazepam and Meclozine are commonly prescribed.

It is possible to treat ear infection symptoms both simple and complex depending on what the ear infection is. Consult the best ENT doctor first to prevent complications from occurring, as self-medication may result in adverse effects.