Ear Infection Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ
Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery located in Scottsdale, AZ & Fountain Hills, AZ
Ear Infection Pain Relief in Scottsdale, AZ
Ear Infection Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ FAQ
You can develop an infection in your outer, middle, or inner ear. Middle ear infections, called otitis media, are the most common. They primarily occur in children and seldom develop in adults.
An outer ear infection, also called swimmer’s ear, affects the ear canal that goes from outside your ear to the eardrum. Bacteria thrive when water stays in the canal, resulting in an infection and symptoms such as itching, redness, and a watery discharge.
An inner ear infection most often develops due to a virus that causes inflammation of the structures responsible for balance and hearing. As a result, you have symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo (sensation of spinning), nausea, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Your treatment depends on the type of infection:
Inner ear infection
Inner ear infections are generally treated with one or more medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and fight the infection.
Middle ear infection
Dr. Gergits may recommend pain medication to keep your child comfortable, and then take a wait-and-see approach.
The symptoms generally improve in a few days, and most middle ear infections heal within two weeks. Giving the ear time to heal naturally avoids the need for antibiotics.
If fluids stay in the ear after the infection heals, Dr. Gergits may insert ear tubes. Ear tubes prevent future infections by ventilating the ear and allowing fluids to drain.
Outer ear infection
It’s important to get an outer ear infection treated promptly because this type of ear infection often progressively worsens.
Your treatment may include cleaning the ear canal and using ear drops to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and restore the ear’s normal antibacterial environment.
At the first sign of an ear infection, call Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center or book an appointment online.
Middle ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses get into the Eustachian tube. Since this tube runs from the back of your nose to your middle ear, it’s easy for an upper respiratory infection or allergy-related infection to spread into your ear.
After microorganisms get into the ear, the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed and swollen, trapping mucus and fluids in the middle ear.
In some children, the fluid remains in the ear after the infection heals. This causes a chronic infection that can damage the middle ear bones and lead to hearing loss if it goes untreated.
Severe pain is the primary symptom of a middle ear infection, although hearing may be diminished and excess fluid may drain from the ear, too. Young children with an ear infection often have a fever, cry more than usual, and have trouble sleeping.
What Is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a common medical condition that affects the middle ear. It occurs when the area behind the eardrum becomes inflamed and infected. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and often result from respiratory infections, allergies, or fluid accumulation in the ear. Symptoms may include ear pain, hearing difficulties, drainage from the ear, and sometimes fever. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are essential to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
What Causes Ear Infection?
Ear infections are primarily caused by bacteria or viruses. The most common culprits are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These germs can enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube, a passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Infections often occur as a result of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, or allergies, which can cause the eustachian tube to become blocked or swollen, trapping fluid in the middle ear. Timely treatment and preventive measures can help reduce the incidence and severity of ear infections.
What Are the Types of Ear Infections?
What type of ear infection do you have? There are three main types of ear infections:
- Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) – This is the most common type and occurs when the middle ear becomes infected and inflamed due to bacteria or viruses. It often follows respiratory infections like colds or flu and can cause symptoms such as ear pain, fluid drainage, and hearing difficulties.
- Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) – This type of infection affects the outer ear canal and is often caused by bacteria or fungi. It typically occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes infection. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, and swelling of the ear canal.
- Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) – OME is a non-infectious condition characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear without active infection. It can occur after a previous ear infection or due to conditions that affect the eustachian tube’s proper function. OME may lead to hearing difficulties and can persist for an extended period.
Each type of ear infection requires specific treatment approaches, and seeking medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.
Ear Infection Symptoms
What are the signs of ear infection? Ear infection symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Common symptoms of middle ear infections include ear pain, fluid drainage from the ear, hearing difficulties, and sometimes fever. Swimmer’s ear often presents with ear pain, itching, redness, and swelling of the outer ear canal. Chronic otitis media with effusion can cause mild hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear. In infants and young children, ear infections may cause irritability, trouble sleeping, tugging or pulling at the ear, and difficulty responding to sounds. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention is essential for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Ear Infection
The treatment for ear infections depends on the type and severity of the infection. Middle ear infections caused by bacteria are often treated with antibiotics. Pain relievers may also be recommended to alleviate discomfort. If the infection is recurrent or severe, further evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be necessary. Swimmer’s ear caused by bacteria or fungi is typically treated with antibiotic or antifungal eardrops. Keeping the ear dry is essential during treatment. Chronic otitis media with effusion may resolve on its own, but in some cases, medications or surgical intervention to drain the fluid or insert ear tubes may be necessary, especially if hearing is affected. It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations for the appropriate duration of treatment and to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is fully resolved.
Why Choose Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center
Experience exceptional ear infection treatment at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center. With state-of-the-art technology and personalized approaches, we aim to address the root cause of your ear infection and ensure lasting relief. Schedule a consultation today and see why patients trust us for their ear infection needs.
