Ear infection (acute otitis media) is a condition that happens in the middle ear or behind the eardrum when bacteria or virus invades the fluid around that area. Once it happens, the patient experiences pain, swelling, or bulging in the eardrum. There are various ways to treat it including antibiotics for ear infection, ear tube placement, and use of painkillers. But who is more likely to develop an ear infection?
What are the Predisposing Factors?
The first risk factor is age. Infants and toddlers are at a greater risk of catching an ear infection. Children aged 3 months to 8 years are more likely to suffer than adults but the infection is usually minor and heals quickly. In adulthood, however, it could be a sign of another underlying health issue.
Family history can also play a role in the tendency of the eardrum to be infected. Some cases seem to be more rampant in certain families than others. Also, colds can increase the chances of contracting the ailment. People suffering from illnesses like chronic respiratory diseases and immune deficiency are more vulnerable to acute otitis media. Those who are prone to allergic reactions and inflammation of the respiratory tract can have their adenoids enlarged, which end up blocking the Eustachian tube. This prevents drainage of the ear fluids and a build-up in the middle ear will create pressure, pain, and possibly, an infection. Ethnicity has also been linked to ear infection susceptibility. For instance, Hispanic and Native American children have been reported to contract otitis media than other ethnic groups.
Treatment
Depending on the age, nature, and severity of infection, a doctor will prescribe medication to relieve pain and fever. The nature of the infection, in this case, refers to whether it’s a first-time or a repeat infection (chronic suppurative otitis media). It also matters how long the fluid around the middle ear has stayed. If it is a mild case, the ENT physician can ask the patient to wait a few (say 3) days for the ear to heal by itself before administering antibiotics.
Antibiotics for ear infection are recommended for serious cases that do not go away naturally. When a doctor prescribes antibiotics, the patient must take them as instructed. Most kids start feeling better a few days after starting treatment. But they must continue taking the antibiotics until the dose is completed. Failure to finish the dosage could cause a re-infection. Sometimes, the doctor gives children liquid antibiotics which must be administered with a measuring spoon.
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