Services > Ear Infections (Otitis Media & Otitis Externa)
Ear Infections (Otitis Media & Otitis Externa)
👂 Ear Infections: Otitis Media vs. Otitis Externa
🔥 What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi invade the ear, causing inflammation, pain, and fluid buildup. It can affect different parts of the ear:
- Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear (behind the eardrum).
- Otitis Externa: Infection of the outer ear canal (also known as swimmer’s ear).
🔎 1. Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
Otitis media is more common in children but can occur at any age. It usually results from a bacterial or viral infection, often following a cold or respiratory infection.
🦠 Causes
- Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae
- Viruses: Influenza, RSV, rhinovirus
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Fluid buildup behind the eardrum due to poor drainage.
🔥 Symptoms
- Ear pain (otalgia)
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Fever (especially in children)
- Fluid drainage (in severe cases)
- Irritability or tugging at the ear (in children)
🩺 Treatment
- Mild cases:
- Pain relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Warm compress to reduce pain.
- Monitor for 2–3 days (some resolve without antibiotics).
- Severe cases or bacterial infections:
- Antibiotics: Amoxicillin or Augmentin (first-line treatment).
- Ear drainage: In chronic cases, a doctor may place tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) to drain fluid.
🌊 2. Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, commonly caused by moisture exposure or injury to the ear canal.
🦠 Causes
- Bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
- Fungi: Aspergillus or Candida (less common)
- Irritation from:
- Excess moisture (swimming, bathing)
- Scratching or using cotton swabs
- Allergic reactions (earplugs, earrings)
🔥 Symptoms
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear
- Itchiness or irritation in the canal
- Swelling or redness of the outer ear
- Fluid drainage (clear, yellow, or pus-like)
- Hearing loss (due to swelling or blockage)
🩺 Treatment
- Cleaning the ear: A healthcare provider may clean the ear canal.
- Ear drops:
- Antibiotic drops (ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin) for bacterial infection.
- Steroid drops to reduce inflammation.
- Acidic ear drops (for mild cases) to restore the pH balance.
- Pain management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Avoid swimming or inserting anything in the ear during treatment.
🔥 Key Differences: Otitis Media vs. Otitis Externa
| Feature | Otitis Media (Middle Ear) | Otitis Externa (Outer Ear) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Behind the eardrum | Outer ear canal |
| Cause | Bacteria or virus (upper respiratory infection) | Bacteria or fungi (moisture or injury) |
| Pain | Deeper, dull pain | Sharp, worsens when pulling on the ear |
| Fluid Discharge | May have fluid buildup behind the eardrum | Pus or clear discharge from the ear canal |
| Hearing Loss | Due to fluid behind the eardrum | Due to swelling or blockage of the canal |
| Treatment | Antibiotics (for bacterial cases), pain relief | Ear drops, ear cleaning, and pain relief |
💡 Prevention Tips
- For Otitis Media:
- Avoid exposure to smoke (secondhand smoke can worsen Eustachian tube function).
- Practice good hand hygiene to reduce colds.
- Breastfeeding may reduce ear infections in infants.
- For Otitis Externa:
- Dry ears after swimming or bathing (use a towel or tilt your head to drain water).
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal (cotton swabs, hairpins).
- Use earplugs or swim caps in the pool.
✅ When to See a Doctor
- Persistent or severe ear pain
- High fever or worsening symptoms
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
- Chronic or recurrent infections