Bacterial Ear Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Bacterial ear infections are caused by bacteria affecting the ear canal or eardrum, often resulting in pain and inflammation.
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Ear Infections | Bacteria Infections | Ear Health | Ear Infection Treatment | Ear Infection Causes
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Bacterial Ear Infections FAQ


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Can a bacterial infection cause an ear infection?

An ear infection can occur in any of these areas; however, bacterial infections of the inner ear are very rare. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause infections in the ear and are often brought on by an illness, such as a cold or allergies. Most ear infections do not require treatment and will clear up within a week or two.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

Are ear infections a sign of a serious infection?

This could be a sign of a serious infection called mastoiditis. Ear infections are common, especially in children. Middle ear infections (otitis media) usually go away by themselves without antibiotics. Outer ear infections (otitis externa) are treated with antibiotic drops.

Are ear infections a bacterial or viral infection?

Ear infections can be either bacterial or viral infections. They can occur in your middle ear, the part of your ear just behind your eardrum, as well as the outer and inner ear. They often clear up on their own but can be painful due to inflammation or fluid buildup. Ear infections can be chronic or acute.

What causes ear infections?

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The middle ear is the part of the ear just behind the ear drum, connected to the throat by a short tube known as the Eustachian tube. When you have a cold, the infection can spread up this tube to the middle ear.

Bacterial Ear Infections References

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