Ear Infection Symptoms
Ear infection symptoms vary from fever, ringing in the ear, vertigo, itchiness of the outer ear, discharge from the ear, muffled sounds to headaches and blisters.
Ear infection symptoms depend on which part of the ear is infected. The ear consists of three main parts. The outer ear or pinna and the ear canal which eventually ends up to your eardrum. Beyond the eardrum is the middle ear and it has 3 tiny bones that magnify sounds.
Sound travels to the inner ear (Wiki) where it is translated to electrical impulses which are then sent to the brain. An infection can occur in any of these three parts including the Eustachian tube (WIki) that connects the ear to the throat. Children are more susceptible to middle ear and outer ear infections. Sometimes the symptoms escalate rapidly especially with children and you must carefully monitor the symptoms that are presented. Since children may not be able to articulate the symptoms very well, extra vigilance is necessary especially when infants are involved.
There are many causes for an ear infection and they could include colds, flu and fever, cleft palate, smaller than average Eustachian tubes, swimming in polluted waters or cleaning the ear too vigorously. Some of these causes can be avoided such as being careful as to where you swim. Polluted waters carry many organisms and bacteria and can cause mild to severe illnesses.
After swimming, dry your ears very well so that water is not trapped in the ear for a period of time. Be especially careful or avoid swimming altogether if you have an abrasion or tear in your ear. If you are in the process of healing from an ear condition, it is unadvisable to go swimming or snorkeling. Scuba diving (Wiki) can also exacerbate an ear condition because of pressure and again it is not advisable to go scuba diving when you are experiencing ear problems.
Infections can set in quite quickly so always monitor your symptoms carefully. There are different types of infection and they could be an infection of the outer, middle or inner ear, infectious myringitis, vestibular neuronitis or acute mastoiditis to name a few. Ear infection symptoms of the middle ear could be mild to severe with thick yellow discharge from the ear and or fever. If there is a discharge, the likelihood is that the eardrum has likely ruptured and you should see your doctor immediately.
Your doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right course of action. If the infection is bacterial, a course of antibiotics is most often prescribed and the full course must be completed even if the symptoms subside or go away completely.
This is because although we may feel better the infection might not have been cleared and not finishing the course just builds resistance to it the next time. Most of the time, the ear infection clears up within a few days but if it persists and especially if there is fever, pain and discharge, you should consult a doctor. With knowledge of ear infection symptoms, it is easier to deal with what is going on and if there is any doubt as to the seriousness of the symptoms, a doctor must be consulted.
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