What Are The Causes Of My Dog’s Ear Infections
Several factors can predispose your dog to developing ear infections, such as genetics, lifestyle and sensitivity to allergens.
Some dog breeds, e.g. those with droopy ears, are at higher risk of developing ear infections, as these ears trap moisture.
A dog who lives in a very rainy environment, or who loves to bathe, will also develop more ear infections, for the same reason as mentioned above.
Humidity is the number one enemy of a dogs ears!
A dog with allergies is also prone to getting more ear infections, as the immune system is busy fighting allergens.
Do: Put Drops Of Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Clogged Ear
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to dissolve earwax clogs, but it must be placed in your ear correctly. Hearing specialists recommend that you mix the solution with warm water making sure that the water is not too hot and then place a drop or two in your ear with a dropper. Your ear should be tilted upward while you place the drops in your ear and you should keep it that way for several seconds to let the hydrogen peroxide dissolve the earwax clog. You may have to repeat this a few times a day for a couple of days, but eventually, the clog should clear.
When To Seek Medical Care
So, how do you know when its time to seek professional treatment for an ear infection? Every case is different, but you should always consult with a medical professional if:
- Your ear pain is severe in nature
- Your symptoms persist for more than three days
- You develop new symptoms, such as a fever or dizziness
- Your symptoms include ear discharge, which may contain blood, pus or clear fluid
If your child develops an ear infection, seek medical care if:
- Ear pain is severe in nature
- Symptoms last longer than 24 hours
- Any symptoms are present in a baby younger than 6 months old
- Symptoms include ear discharge
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How Do Ear Infections Happen
A middle ear infection usually happens because of swelling in one or both of the eustachian tubes . The tubes let mucus drain from the middle ear into the throat.
A cold, throat infection, acid reflux, or allergies can make the eustachian tubes swell. This blocks the mucus from draining. Then, or grow in the mucus and make pus, which builds up in the middle ear.
When doctors refer to an ear infection, they usually mean otitis media rather than swimmer’s ear . Otitis media with effusion is when noninfected fluid builds up in the ear. It might not cause symptoms, but in some kids, the fluid creates a sensation of ear fullness or “popping.”
Can An Ear Infection In Adults Go Away On Its Own
The treatment of a middle ear infection depends on how bad the symptoms are and what’s causing the infection. Many infections will go away on their own and the only treatment necessary is medication for pain. Up to 80% of ear infections may go away without antibiotics.
Accordingly, how can I treat an ear infection at home?
Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a natural remedy for earaches for many years. To use this method of treatment, place several drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Let it sit for several minutes before letting it drain into a sink. Rinse your ear with clean, distilled water.
What are the symptoms of an ear infection in adults?
Symptoms of ear infections in adults vary depending on location and can include:
- inflammation and pain.
- headache.
What medicine is good for an ear infection?
Your doctor may recommend a pain reliever, typically acetaminophen or ibuprofen , which also helps reduce a fever. Aspirin should be avoided in children because of the threat of Reye’s syndrome, a rare condition that can cause swelling in the brain or liver.
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Pharmacy First Scotland: Earache Treatment From Your Pharmacy
Earache isn’t usually serious and can be treated by a pharmacist. Your pharmacist may recommend that you contact your GP practice if required.
You should only contact your GP or local out-of-hours service if:
- you or your child also have other symptoms, such as a high temperature , vomiting, a severe sore throat, hearing loss, swelling around the ear, or discharge from the ear
- there is something stuck in your or your child’s ear
- the earache doesn’t improve within a few days
Initial Stages Of A Sinus Infection
In most situations, a sinus infection is a secondary infection that occurs after another illness or health concern. For example, you might have a head cold that develops into a sinus infection because of the congestion. Or, chronic allergies can cause conditions that result in sinus infections.
When a sinus infection occurs, it means that there is swelling, inflammation, and infection in the sinus areas. Typically, sinuses are open cavities filled with air. When drainage is blocked, then an infection can occur.
In the earliest stages of a sinus infection, youll likely feel discomfort and pressure in the sinus areas. Its common to have congestion, which could lead to a blocked sinus making it hard to breathe through one side of your nose.
As the symptoms progress, the pain intensifies. An untreated sinus infection can disrupt every area of your life, making it hard to get through the day because of the pressure and pain.
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Home Remedies For Ear Infections
While ear infections are more common in children, people of any age can get them.
Because ear infections often clear up on their own, healthcare professionals are hesitant to jump to prescribing antibiotics as a first course of treatment unless the infection is severe, the child is very young, or there are other mitigating circumstances.
This has many people turning to home remedies for ear infections. Many home remedy recommendationsoften passed from one person to another through word of mouthare not backed by scientific evidence and may even be harmful. It’s important to evaluate home remedy recommendations for ear infections for accuracy and safety before trying them out. And as always, when in doubt, ask your healthcare provider.
What Are Other Causes Of Ear Pain
Other causes of ear pain include:
- A sore throat.
- Teeth coming in in a baby.
- An infection of the lining of the ear canal. This is also called swimmers ear.
- Pressure build up in the middle ear caused by allergies and colds.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/16/2020.
References
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When Do You Need Antibiotics
In its SIGN 88 guidelines for UK healthcare, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network recommends antibiotic treatment for otherwise healthy women, under 65, who have three or more symptoms of UTI.
Potential symptoms of UTI are listed as follows: pain passing urine , frequency of urination, bladder pain, urgency, passing lots of urine , and passing blood in the urine .
“The guidelines recommend using dipstick tests to guide treatment decisions in otherwise healthy women under 65 years of age presenting with mild or more than two symptoms of UTI,” comments Ali. “Put simply, if symptoms are severe, urine testing is not required before initiating treatment.”
Will Ear Infection Go Away On Its Own
Do you know what causes ear infection and if it will ear infection go away on its own? Ear infection is one of the most common ailments for adults and if left untreated it may lead to hearing loss. This problem occurs due to inflammation of the inner ear .
The inflammation occurs when the bodys immune system gets confused between harmless earwax or other fluid in the ears, mucus, and other parts of the inner ear, and a potentially harmful bacteria or fungus. As a result of this inflammation, the body sends white blood cells and white blood proteins to the area to fight off the potentially harmful microorganisms.
After a while, the ear becomes infected and itchy because the body is fighting off bacteria or fungi within the ear canal. This can cause discomfort and pain.
It is very important to treat the underlying cause for ear infection, otherwise it will just come back and worsen the situation. Some of the common reasons for ear infection are: viral infection, ear wax build up, ear wax removal, poor ear hygiene, and sinus infection.
There are several treatment options available for curing ear infection. The most common methods include medications, herbal treatments, and home remedies. Each of these treatment options has their own benefits and drawbacks. It is always best to consult your doctor before starting any form of treatment.
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What Causes A Chest Infection
A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection.
For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin.
You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. Thats because the respiratory droplets carry the infection.
Additionally, coming into contact with a surface thats contaminated with the virus or bacteria, and then touching your mouth or face can also spread the infection.
You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you:
- are elderly
- have quick breathing, pain in your chest, or shortness of breath
- feel dizzy, confused, or disoriented
In order to diagnose your condition, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination, during which theyll use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs as you breathe.
The doctor may take a chest X-ray to determine the location and severity of your infection.
They may also take a sputum or blood sample to find out whats causing your infection. If bacteria are causing your chest infection, these tests can also help them decide which antibiotic to use.
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What Are The Types Of Middle
Infections can affect the middle ear in several ways. They are:
-
Acute otitis media. This middle-ear infection occurs suddenly. It causes swelling and redness. Fluid and mucus become trapped inside the ear. You can have a fever and ear pain.
-
Otitis media with effusion. Fluid and mucus build up in the middle ear after the infection goes away. You may feel like your middle ear is full. This can continue for months and may affect your hearing.
-
Chronic otitis media with effusion. Fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time. Or it builds up again and again, even though there is no infection. This type of middle-ear infection may be hard to treat. It may also affect your hearing.
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Types Of Ear Infections
There are three main types of ear infections that can affect you at any age, each named for the part of the ear they infect: inner ear, middle ear, and outer ear. An outer ear infection affects the part of your ear you see and touch, and its typically caused by some kind of injury, like a cut or abrasion.
An inner ear infection is rare and may indicate a serious health condition, such as meningitis. If your inner ear is inflamed or infected, you may feel nauseated and dizzy.
Middle ear infections are the most common type. This condition, also called otitis media, happens when fluid gets trapped behind your eardrum. As your eardrum swells, you may feel pain, as well as a sense that your ear is filled or plugged, which hinders your hearing. You might also notice some drainage.
A Problem With Your Jaw
Earache is occasionally caused by a problem with the joint of your jaw bone . This is known as temporomandibular joint pain and can be caused by problems such as arthritis or teeth grinding.
Jaw pain can often be treated with painkillers, warm or cold compresses, and trying not to clench your jaw and grind your teeth.
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Ear Infection Symptoms Treatment
Middle ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that may cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and fluid discharge. A middle ear infection that does not clear up on its own may require treatment with antibiotics.
Middle ear infections occur mainly in early childhood, although older children and adults also get these kinds of infection. The incidence of acute ear infection in New Zealand children was recently estimated at 27%. A complication associated with middle ear infections is the retention of fluid, causing glue ear. Children should always be taken to a doctor if they have earache.
Longer Term Effects Of Inner Ear Infections
Generally, the symptoms will clear up as soon as the infection is gone. However, the effects can sometimes last longer.
You might still feel dizzy and off-balance even when the other symptoms caused by the infection have gone. This can be a sign that the balance organs were damaged. Your brain can usually learn to work with these changes, so your sense of balance should usually come back by itself. However, if youre struggling to cope or the problem persists, you should see an ENT specialist. The doctor can check for any underlying causes and may refer you for vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help you to recover your balance.
Inner ear infections can also have a longer term effect on your hearing. This is more likely if you had bacterial infection, so your doctor might recommend a hearing test to check on your ears after the infection.
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What Causes Ear Infections
Ear infections are the most common infections of the middle ear. They come with pain, a sensation that the ear is clogged up and can even affect our hearing.
They are usually caused by bacteria in the middle ear, but they can also be viral. More often this happens because of another illness that causes one of your Eustachian tubes to swell or become blocked.
This results in a build-up of fluid in the spaces of the middle ear. The pain is the result of this build-up of fluid and the accompanying inflammation increasing pressure on your eardrum.
Can An Ear Infection Go Away On Its Own
Its truean ear infection can go away on its own in some cases. The term ear infection typically refers to acute otitis media, or an infection that impacts the middle ear directly behind the eardrum. The outside of the ear may also become infected, as can the inner ear, although these conditions are less common.
Ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. They can affect anyone, although children are more likely to develop ear infections than adults. Because some ear infections can go away on their own, treatment usually begins with self-care measuressuch as over-the-counter ear drops and pain relieversto ease symptoms.
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When To Call A Doctor
Ear pain often gets better in 2 or 3 days on its own or with home care. Often all you need to do is take a pain reliever and be alert for symptoms that get worse. That said, itâs important to know when your discomfort might be a sign of something more serious.
- You have a high fever, headache, or are dizzy.
- You believe an object is stuck in your ear.
- You see swelling behind your ear, especially if that side of your face feels weak or you canât move the muscles there.
- Youâve had severe ear pain and it suddenly stops .
- Your symptoms donât get better in 24 to 48 hours.
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What Increases Your Risk
Some things that increase the risk for middle ear infection are out of your control. These include:
- Age. Children ages 3 years and younger are most likely to get ear infections. Also, young children get more colds and other upper respiratory infections. Most children have at least one ear infection before they are 7 years old.
- Birth defects or other medical conditions. Babies with cleft palate or Down syndrome are more likely to get ear infections.
- Weakened immune system. Children with severely impaired immune systems have more ear infections than healthy children.
- Family history. Children are more likely to have repeat middle ear infections if a parent or sibling had repeat ear infections.
- Allergies. Allergies cause long-term stuffiness in the nose that can block one or both eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose and throat with the middle ears. This blockage can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear.
Other things that increase the risk for ear infection include:
Things that increase the risk for repeated ear infections also include:
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The Best Course Of Action
For most sufferers, Ali advises the best course of action is to increase fluid intake, take appropriate pain relief and speak with a healthcare professional for further assessment of symptoms.
If symptoms persist for more than two days – or include a fever, loin pain and/or nausea and vomiting – it is important to see your GP for advice on whether antibiotics are required. It’s also important to go back if you’ve been started on antibiotics and symptoms do not improve within 48 hours.
“While some of the over-the-counter treatments may provide symptomatic relief, the 2018 NICE UTI guidelines state that there is no evidence found for cranberry products or urine alkalinising agents to treat UTI,” he adds. “However, there’s a clinical trial showing the effectiveness of D-mannose. And grapefruit seed extract and oil of oregano have also been found to be beneficial.”