Middle Ear Infections: Causes and Diagnosis

A small part of the ear behind your ear drum is the middle ear. When germs from the throat and nose get trapped there, it can get infected.

Causes for a middle ear infection
There is a tiny tube connecting the ear to your throat. This tube can swell during a cold. Fluid can get trapped inside the ear when the tube swells to such an extent that it can create a blockage. This makes it the ideal place for the growth of germs leading to an infection. Ear infections can occur in young children because their tubes can get blocked because of their small size.

What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of a middle ear infection is ear pain which can be mild or severe. Babies and young children can throw a fuss and become irritable. They may run a fever or have trouble going to sleep. Thick, yellow fluid can emerge from their ears. When the ear drum bursts because of a middle ear infection, it can cause the fluid to flow out. This is not serious and the eardrum can heal on their own.

Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine the child’s ears based on the symptoms. The ear drum will be examined using a special tool which can allow light inside the ear. He can thereby say whether there is fluid accumulation. This examination is not very uncomfortable.

How is it treated?
Most ear infections get cured on their own. An over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol can cure the ear pain in children easily. You can also place a heating pad or warm wash cloth on the ear, and rest. You must not administer aspirin to anyone younger than 20. Ear drops can help alleviate ear pain among children.  After a middle ear infection, a child may not be able to hear well for a while. If this lasts for 3 to 4 months, you can consult your doctor. Your doctor can also prescribe antibiotics. However ear infections can even get cured without them. The decision of using antibiotics can be based on the age of your child and the severity of infection.