We all know how babies are prone to ear infections in the first two years after birth. However, if you have experienced an ear infection as an adult, you know how annoying it can be. Not only does the pain affect your daily activities, but the frustration can throw you off balance for days.

According to a reputed ENT doctor in Siliguri, adults can also have serious ear infections which if not treated can lead to permanent hearing loss and damage. As it is crucial to stay informed, here is a guide for all you need to know about adult ear infections.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Ear infections are divided into three categories: inner, middle, and outer ear infections. Let us analyze the symptoms associated with them.

• Inner Ear

Inner ear disorders often lead to swelling and irritation, resulting in inflammation. These can be extremely painful and accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, as well as vertigo and temporary hearing loss.

• Middle Ear

Infection in this region is known for causing fever along with cases of fluid draining and loss of hearing. Because of this, you can also feel fullness in your ears.

• Outer Ear

If this region has infections, it causes an itchy rash. The outer ear tends to become tender, swollen and painful. The pus accumulated in this region also causes loss of hearing or muffled hearing.

Possible Underlying Causes and Risks

Doctors have stated that ear infections do take place among people above the age of 30. Most of them are caused by viruses such as the Epstein-Barr, herpes zoster oticus, as well as the common influenza virus. Top ENT doctor in Siliguri has also stated that middle ear infections are quiet common among adults.

This is usually caused by any medical conditions that cause fluid to drain from the middle ear, such as colds and respiratory infections. The external part of the ear is vulnerable to infections resulting from bacterial and fungal exposure. In some cases, allergies and irritation also cause this kind of infection. Scratching and itching in this region can also make this kind of infection worse.

In most cases, the infection takes place in the region of the eustachian tubes, which are narrower in some adults. If these tubes are smaller or haven't developed a slope, they are at higher risk of developing ear infections.

Common Types of Ear Infections

According to a well-knownENT doctor in Siliguri, some of the common types of ear infections are

• Otitis externa

 Consisting of swelling and irritation of the ear canal, this condition affects the area between the eardrum and the outer ear. This is caused by exposure to dirty water, along with fungus and bacteria.

• Acute/chronic otitis media

This condition can cause by serious cold and can lead to ear drum bursting in extreme cases.   It affects children most of the time and involves inflammation of the middle ear.

• Serous otitis media

This condition is also kwon as glue ear. It develops in the middle ear and causes the buildup of fluids in the region.

• Infectious myringitis

In this condition the eardrums become inflamed. This is caused by the viruses and bacteria and cause extreme pain. It can also cause possible fever at times.

• Acute mastoiditis

This condition is linked to otitis media and can progress into an infection affecting the bone located behind the ear.

Treatment Options

To treat infections in the middle and outer ear, the best route is to visit an ENT specialist and take prescribed antibiotics. Here are other treatment options that can be taken for this type of infection.

Ear drops and oral medication: Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clavulanate, and cephalexin are prescribed to people through oral medication and ear drops.

Nasal steroids: These sprays can be used for the treatment of otitis media, which causes the buildup of pus or fluid in the middle ear.

Ear Tubes: This tube is put into the opening of the eardrum and helps with draining fluid as well as relieving ear pressure.

Conclusion

 While ear infections are not very common among adults, they can still impact the overall well-being of an individual. If you are suspecting any symptoms , make sure to visit the best ENT doctor in Siliguri.   If the symptoms are not handled with much care, they can lead to permanent hearing loss and infection in other regions of the cranium.