An ear infection occurs due to bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear. The middle ear is the ear behind the eardrum. Ear infections could be painful because they cause inflammation and fluid build-up in the middle ear.
Ear infections can be acute or chronic. An acute ear infection stays for shorter periods and is not very painful whereas a chronic ear infection can result in permanent damage to the middle and inner ear.
An ear infection is caused due to a virus or bacterial intervention into the middle ear. Middle ear infections are quite common and occur a lot in kids because their ear tubes are smaller. Since the infection breeds in the middle ear, they are not contagious. Most of these infections do not stay for too long and vanish off within a few days by themselves or by some anti-biotic.
If the infection breeds in the outer ear which is closest to the ear lobe, the infection is referred to as an outer ear infection. This infection can occur after a swimming session of kids. There is nothing to worry though because they are not contagious either. Antibiotic or prescribed ear drops can help you get rid of it. The causes of this infection could be:
- Allergies
- Cold
- Sinus infections
(Image Courtesy: Pinterest)
Ear infection in adults can occur in two forms: one is otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer canal of the ear; the second one is called otitis interna or infection in the middle ear. A healthy eardrum has a transparent and pinkish-grey color whereas an infected eardrum appears to be red and swollen.
Ear infections are not contagious in adults because the fluid is far behind the ear drum in middle ear infection. Doctors diagnose the ear infection by observing the outer ear, and the eardrum with a device called an Otoscope.
The answer is a simple NO. The bacteria inside the ear which causes the infection are not contagious. However, the cold virus that is one of the major causes of an ear infection is contagious. Although, if the ear infection occurs a week after the cold begins, the child is immune to any contingency. Children are more prone to ear infections because they catch a cold too often. A week of severe cold followed by fever nights makes an ear infection quite certain.
(Image Courtesy: Info Gorolo)
Ear infections in dogs are very common, and most dogs go through this painful condition sometime in their life. The common signs of tracing an ear infection in your dog are when he scratches or rubs his ear and head way too often. Ear infections in dogs or pets are also caused due to bacterial intervention. Keeping his ears clean could help prevent any infections.
Some ear infections can be contagious whereas the others are not. If the cause of the infections is the ear mites, then it can be contagious. But if bacteria or yeast cause the infection they cannot be contagious.
#1. Ear Infections And Teething Could Be Confusing
Your toddler tends to tug on its ear when it is about to start teething and when he has an ear infection. Due to common signs parents often confuse an ear infection with teething or vice versa. Doctors suggest that if your kid has a fever and is uncomfortable lying down, then the chances of it being an ear infection are more likely.
#2. Antibiotics Are Not A Permanent Solution
A majority of the ear infections are said to be bacterial infections that can be cured by antibiotics. Studies suggest that most ear infections go away within a week’s time without any medication. Give the body a 24-hour bracket to melt down the pain, and if it persists then consult a doctor.
(Image Courtesy: New Health Advisor)
#3. Recurrence May Be Unhealthy
Pediatricians suggest that kids who frequently suffer infections mostly feel sick. Recurrence of ear infection might prevent clearance of previous fluids in the ear. This cluster of unhygienic fluids in the middle ear might lead to hindrances in proper hearing and language development.
Do you have any other queries related to Ear Infections? Let us know in the comment section below.
(Featured Image Courtesy: YouTube)
Share
