What is it?
It is inflammation of the ear, generally caused by bacterial or viral infections. It is mainly classified into otitis media (behind the eardrum) and otitis Externa (“swimmer’s ear”).
Causes
- Respiratory infections, such as colds, the flu, or allergies, which cause congestion in the airways and block the Eustachian tubes.
- Water trapped in the ear canal, which promotes bacterial growth.
- Irritation caused by the insertion of cotton swabs, fingernails, or foreign objects, which damages the skin of the ear canal.
Symptoms
- Severe ear pain (may worsen when lying down).
- Fever and general malaise.
- Temporary hearing difficulty or a sensation of a blocked ear.
- Discharge of fluid or pus.
- In children: irritability, excessive crying, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite.
How do we treat it?
Otitis can be treated with:
- Medications: Ear drops (containing antibiotics or antifungals) for external infections, and analgesics to manage pain and fever.
- Oral antibiotics, prescribed by the attending physician if they determine that the otitis media is bacterial.
- Cleaning of the ear canal by a specialist, in cases of severe buildup of earwax or pus.
