Ear infection, sometimes known as acute otitis, is the most common cause of earache caused by inflammation in the middle ear. Because ear infection is a self-limiting disease, its treatment is based on controlling pain, relieving annoying symptoms, and monitoring the healing process. Antibiotics or a desiccant are sometimes used to treat the infection.
How to get an ear infection
The middle ear is a space filled with air behind the eardrum that contains small bones that transmit vibration from the eardrum to the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract by a narrow canal called the Eustachian tube. A series of Eustachian tubes protrude from behind the throat, followed by the nasal cavity, and then opens on the throat.
The role of the Eustachian tube is to regulate air pressure in the middle ear, ventilate the middle ear, and drain normal secretions from the middle ear. Swelling and blockage of the Eustachian tube cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, which can become infected with bacteria and cause symptoms of otitis.
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Swelling and bulging of the eardrum are usually accompanied by pain, perforation of the eardrum and discharge of purulent material (in this case it is called purulent otitis), and fever. The Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal in children and infants than in adults, making it easier for germs to enter the middle ear. In addition, children’s immune systems are not developed to fight germs, so children and infants, especially older infants, Less than 6 weeks is a higher risk of infection than adults are, but it can affect adults as well.
The role of lymph nodes or adenoids in otitis:
Lymph nodes appear to be involved in the activity of the immune system. The adenoids on the back of the nose are located near the opening of the Eustachian tubes. Swelling of the adenoids may block these tubes. In addition, lead to infection in the middle ear. Swelling and stimulation of the adenoids are involved in ear infections in children. Because children have relatively more adenoids than adults do.
Different patterns of ear infections
Ear infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria and can be acute or chronic.
Important points:
An acute middle ear infection usually begins quickly and lasts for a short time.
A chronic middle ear infection is a persistent inflammation in the middle ear that usually lasts at least three months and is different from an acute infection that usually lasts only a few weeks.
During an acute ear infection, the fluid that collects behind the eardrum may remain for up to three months, and this may take longer if there is negative pressure behind the eardrum.
Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the middle ear, eardrum, and persistent discharge of foul-smelling discharge from the hole made in the eardrum.
Chronic middle ear infection often begins painlessly and without fever. The feeling of pressure in the ear can last for months.
Sometimes hearing loss can be caused by a chronic middle ear infection. Hearing improves by draining the fluid in the middle ear.
Types of ear infections
Acute otitis (acute ear inflammation) with fluid accumulation (effusion):
The infection in the middle ear is free of bacterial or viral infections. It is usually caused by dysfunction and obstruction of the Eustachian tube or by a persistent infection that persists for a long time.
Chronic otitis (chronic ear inflammation) with fluid accumulation (effusion):
Occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear but there is no bacterial or viral infection. Chronic otitis media increases the risk of new infections in children. Which can affect children’s hearing.
Recurrent acute otitis:
If the infection recurs more than three times in 6 months or four times a year, it is called recurrent acute infection or recurrent acute otitis media due to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Chronic otitis media (purulent):
It is an infection that does not go away with the usual treatments and can cause a hole in the eardrum.
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