Ear Infections: Symptoms and Remedies for Earache and Ear Infection
A cold is usually followed by ear infection. Most are caused by viruses. The middle ear (the area behind the eardrum) is usually infected. The Eustachian tube connects the inner part of the ear to the rear nasal passages. Adenoids are tonsil tissues that lie at the bottom of these tubes.
Symptoms of Ear Infection
- Besides pain, hearing will often be temporarily reduced during an ear infection. And will return back to normal after the infection has cleared.
- There maybe a perforation or hole accompanied by a yellowish or greenish color discharge during an ear infection.
Ear Infections Treatment
- Follow the same instructions mentioned for earache.
- Antibiotics are sometimes used in the treatment of ear infections. However consult an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for advice.
- In children the perforated eardrum will heal up very well and does not cause any long-term problems with hearing. A perforation may even ease earache because of the release of pressure.
- Antibiotics do not prevent perforated eardrum.
- Young children have frequent colds and therefore ear infections, chest infections and tonsillitis are common. While deciding whether or not to remove adenoids and tonsils the extent of deafness and number of days lost from school are taken into consideration.
Adenoids
The adenoids lie at the bottom of the Eustachian tubes (which connect the inner part of the ear with the back of the throat). They are not visible from the mouth. They help in the body’s defense against infection.
If the adenoids are enlarged they lead to snoring and cause frequent ear infections especially glue ear.
Remedies for Ear Infection in Children
- Consult an Ear, Nose and throat specialist. He may advise the removal of adenoids depending on the severity.
- The operation is a straight forward one.
- Between the ages of one and eight years infection of the tonsils and adenoids are very common after colds. These tissues shrink after this age and infections become less common.
- A few children will continue to have tonsils and ear infections throughout their teenage and into their twenties.
October 29, 2009 | Filed Under
Childrens Health
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