Ear Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Ear Infections FAQ
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 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.
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.
Ear Infections References
If you want to know more about Ear Infections, consider exploring links below:
What Is Ear Infections
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ear-infection
- https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-infection-adults
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/treating-ear-infections-in-adults-5200690
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-infections
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8613-ear-infection-otitis-media
- https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/eci/clinical/ed-factsheets/ear-infection
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167409
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