Causes Of Ear Infection
Ear infections are typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, often as a result of other conditions such as a cold or flu. In the case of otitis media, these illnesses can result in a blockage of the Eustachian tubes. This blockage creates a vacuum which allows bacteria to enter the middle ear.
In the case of outer ear infections, certain factors make the occurrence more likely. These include:
- Substances in the ear: Water or other substances in the ear may create an environment where an accumulation of bacteria becomes more likely. This can cause infection. The subsequent itching after infection can cause skin irritation, which may make an infection worse. As otitis externa is common in people who swim regularly, the condition is sometimes referred to as swimmerâs ear.
- Warm weather: The condition is more common in warmer countries.
- Skin issues: Irritated skin, as a result of skin problems such as eczema, may make otitis externa more likely.
- Otitis media: Ear discharge as a result of otitis media can sometimes become lodged in the ear and cause otitis externa.
Inner ear infections , in most cases, follow a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Less commonly, labyrinthitis can be caused by an infection that affects the rest of the body, such as measles, mumps and glandular fever. In rare cases, both labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis can be caused by a bacterial infection.
What Is My Doctor Looking For
Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms youâve had. Be sure to come to the office with any notes you might need and questions on your mind.
She will look at the eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope for signs of infection. This is a tough task with a fussy infant, so be ready to help calm the little one if itâs your child with the earache.
Signs of infection include a red eardrum or a bulging eardrum with fluid behind it. The fluid may be thin like during a cold, or thick like pus. It is located in the middle ear, just behind the ear drum. Otitis media means inflammation of the middle ear. A puffer attached to the otoscope blows air to see if your thin eardrum moves. With fluid in the middle ear, the eardrum is more rigid and doesn’t move back and forth.
She might also look for signs of infection with another instrument. Itâs called a tympanometer, and it uses sound and air pressure to check for fluid in the middle ear.
What Is An Ear Infection
An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection of the outer, inner or middle ear. The condition is common, particularly in children, and is generally considered to be non-serious.
An ear infection can cause painful inflammation, as well as a buildup of fluid in the ear, among other symptoms. The condition may in some cases clear up without treatment, however, treatment options â including antibiotics and pain-relief medication â are available.
If you are concerned that you may have an ear infection, try using the Ada app to find out what the problem may be.
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Infections Youre More Susceptible To During Pregnancy
- Blog
- 7 Infections Youre More Susceptible to During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women become more prone to certain infections some mild while others can cause grave complications for mommy and baby. Because certain infections can be more prevalent among pregnant women, its important to know how to prevent and/or treat them.
How Are Yeast Infections Treated During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, physicians recommend vaginal creams and suppositories only. The oral medication, Diflucan , has not been proven safe during pregnancy and lactation. Not all vaginal creams and suppositories are okay to use during pregnancy, so it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist to get the right one. If left untreated, yeast infections can pass to your babys mouth during delivery. This is called thrush and is effectively treated with Nystatin.It may take 10-14 days to find relief or completely clear up the infection while you are pregnant. After the infection has cleared up and any sores have healed, it may be helpful to use a starch-free drying powder, or Nystatin powder to prevent a recurring infection.
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Diarrhea And The Third Trimester
In the third trimester, diarrhea tends to become more common. It can be a . It sometimes occurs a couple of weeks to days before labor begins.
Diarrhea is a way for your body to prepare for labor to begin, and should not be a cause for concern. It is not a sign your baby is coming right away, just an indication it could be relatively close.
Diarrhea in the third trimester also does not mean you are going to go into premature labor. If diarrhea is accompanied by abdominal cramps, regular contractions and vaginal bleeding, do contact your doctor as that can be a sign of preterm labor.
Precautions To Keep Ear Infection Away
- Avoid the entry of water into your ears. Water in the ears may increase the microbial content as it makes the ear moist.
- Clean your ears periodically using cotton swabs to maintain hygiene .
- Do not put earplugs if the ache is due to wax build-up. The cotton plugs may push the wax further into the ear, increasing the pressure and pain in the ear.
- Ear infections should be treated immediately. Alternative therapies, like homeopathy, may be tried.
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What Can I Do To Feel Better
At home, follow your doctor’s directions for using ear drops and take all doses of antibiotic medicine as prescribed. Keep taking these for all days of treatment, even if you are starting to feel better. If you stop too soon, the infection could come back.
You can try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for ear pain. If they don’t help, your doctor might prescribe a stronger pain reliever. You’ll use this only for a short time until the ear drops and antibiotics begin to work.
To protect your ear while it heals, your doctor will probably tell you to keep your head out of water for several days or weeks even while showering or shampooing! This can be tough, but your doctor can give you suggestions on how to do this, such as using a cotton ball as an earplug.
Home Remedy For An Earache During Pregnancy
If you have an earache during pregnancy, try a home remedy. Your earache may stem from wax buildup in the ear canal or you may have developed an ear infection. Sometimes, inflammation occurs as a result of pressure placed against your ear, which may happen from how you sleep or rest your head. Many women refrain from using any type of prescription-strength medications during pregnancy, preferring home remedies for treating minor aches and pain.
Apply warm, moist heat to the affected ear. Fill a water bottle with hot water and cover the bottle with a wet washcloth. Apply the compress to the ear or rest your head on the water bottle as you lie on your side. Most water bottles are large enough to cover the ear and adjacent areas that may also feel painful, such as the jaw.
Apply three drops of garlic extract into the ear. The pain you experience in your ear may stem from an ear infection. Garlic has antibacterial properties that work to fight off infection. A 2007 report published in the Continental Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences says that only one dose–consisting of three drops of garlic oil–should take care of an ear infection. Garlic extract is a safe home remedy, but when the scope or severity of the infection is unknown, there is no clear indication that a home remedy will clear up the infection.
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What Causes Ear Problems During Pregnancy
- Bodily changes. For example, when youre pregnant you tend to have a higher basal metabolic rate. Your heart starts working harder to pump blood, oxygen and fluids around the body and you can end up with an ear infection if theres a fluid build-up inside the ear. Hormonal changes can also affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses that cause infections, although there is no direct link between pregnancy and ear infections yet.
- More fluid in your body. The increase in blood flow can also cause an increase in bodily fluid, which may have a range of side effects. For example, you may have a blocked nose more often and that can cause an ear infection.
- Swimmers ear. This is a common ear infection that is caused by swimming in water that isnt clean or by accidentally damaging your ear. It can cause earaches that you may experience at any time, including during pregnancy.
- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. This is a temporary condition that can happen during pregnancy – usually in the second or third trimester – and which can be alarming. However, the hearing loss will usually clear up within 10 days.
How Do You Know If You Have Listeriosis
Signs and symptoms of listeriosis usually start a few days after eating food contaminated by Listeria, but they may not happen for up to 2 months. Theyre usually mild and -like. Your health care provider can test your blood to see if you have listeriosis.
- Being confused or having trouble with balance
- Fever or chills
- Stiff neck
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Treating Diarrhea And Preventing Dehydration
To treat diarrhea, your healthcare provider may recommend a safe over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication. Your provider may also recommend other steps, such as getting intravenous fluids to help replenish any fluid loss.
If you have diarrhea, itâs important to drink plenty of fluids and to call your provider right away if you notice these signs of dehydration:
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Excessive thirst
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, weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Sinus Infection While Pregnant: Medication And Natural Remedies
Sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, and a sore throat? Welcome to a sinus infection during pregnancy. Sinus infections while pregnant at the same time makes being sick even worse.Sinusitis occurs when there is an infection in the lining of one of the four nasal cavities, which can cause inflammation and a nasal obstruction inhibiting the proper drainage of mucus. This can result in symptoms such as a stuffy nose and painful pressure around your cheeks and eyes. Such infections may be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus, although the cold is the most common contributing factor of sinus infections. Learn more about dealing with a cold during pregnancy.If you have a sinus infection during pregnancy, you may be tempted to take some medication for a quick fix. However, while certain medications are safe to use during pregnancy, other commonly used medications may not be safe to take while pregnant. You may also find that some home remedies may be just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Penicillin During Pregnancy
The lack of major side effects on the developing baby is what makes penicillin the antibiotic of choice during pregnancy. However, penicillin allergy is something that cannot be ruled out. So always let your doctor know if you have a history of penicillin allergy.
Actual anaphylactic symptoms due to penicillin hypersensitivity are found in only 0.01% of patients. Some common drug reactions to penicillin may also look like hypersensitivity. Your doctor is the best person to determine the nature of your symptoms .
Common penicillin side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Urticaria
- Candidiasis
- Dermatitis
- Angioedema
All forms of penicillin, from both natural and synthetic sources, are known to cause allergic reactions. Such reactions are more prominent when the antibiotic is taken other than through the mouth and the alimentary canal. Penicillin G and procaine penicillin are two forms of penicillin which are most likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Should you notice any of the symptoms listed above, tell your doctor about it before continuing the medication.
Although penicillin is considered safe during pregnancy, it should only be used if your doctor prescribes it. Make sure you tell them about your allergies and also ask any questions to clarify your doubts about antibiotic use. You could also ask them for any natural alternatives for treating the condition that penicillin has been prescribed for. If it is the only option, make sure you take it as prescribed to stay safe.
Slapped Cheek Syndrome In Pregnancy
Slapped cheek syndrome is common in children. It typically causes a rash on the face.
Slapped cheek syndrome is highly infectious and can be harmful to the baby.
If you come into contact with anyone who is infected, you should talk to your doctor, who can carry out a blood test to check whether you’re immune. In most cases, the baby is not affected if you have slapped cheek syndrome.
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Signs Of Ear Infection Faqs
Q: How do I know if I have a ruptured eardrum?A: A ruptured eardrum is one of the most common complications of an ear infection. Its symptoms also mirror those of an ear infection, meaning it may be difficult to differentiate between the two. In some cases, however, a ruptured eardrum may result in no symptoms at all. Upon examination, a doctor will be able to identify a ruptured eardrum and advise on appropriate treatment methods. Generally, a ruptured eardrum is considered non-serious and will in most instances heal naturally without the need for medication.
Q: What is the Eustachian tube?A: The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal that connects the middle ear to the throat . Its main function is to ventilate the middle ear and to ensure that the air pressure in both sides of the eardrum remains equalized. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection , this can create a vacuum in which bacteria can collect and enter the middle ear. This can cause a middle ear infection.
Q: Is earache always a sign of ear infection?A: Although earache is a common symptom of ear infection , earache can also be connected to other conditions such as cold, flu, a buildup of earwax or teething in children. Following an examination, a doctor will be able to identify the root cause of earache and outline treatment options.
Q: What are the signs of an infection around an ear piercing?A: The signs of an ear piercing infection include:
Causes Of Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can intensify underlying conditions, even if you werent aware of them before your egg got fertilised. There are a number of lifestyle and medical reasons behind gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy:
- Changes in hormones
- Stress
- Thyroid disorders
If you have chronic GI problems, like IBS , acid reflux, or GERD , their symptoms will most likely intensify during pregnancy. So if you are planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor for advice.
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What Are The Signs Of Swimmer’s Ear
The main sign is severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. Sometimes there is itching in the ear canal before the pain begins.
The outer ear might get red or swollen, and lymph nodes around the ear may get enlarged and tender. Sometimes, there’s a greenish-yellow discharge of pus from the ear opening. It can be hard to hear in the affected ear if pus or swelling of the canal begins to block passage of sound into the ear.
When To See A Doctor About An Earache
Dr. Nguyen-Huynh recommends seeing a doctor if:
- Yoursymptoms remain after twoor three days, even if youve tried over-the-counter or home remedies.
- Yourear is very painful, oryou have other symptoms that bother you.
Other common conditions, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction , can masquerade as earache infections. TMJ causes ear pain because the ear canal and the jaw joint share a nerve. If you have ear pain along with trouble chewing, talking or yawning, then you should see a dentist or TMJ expert to be sure youre treating the right condition, notes Dr. Nguyen-Huynh.
The good news? Hot and cold compresses and OTC pain relievers can also help relieve TMJ pain until you sort things out.
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Diarrhea In Early Pregnancy
Although diarrhea isnât a , its possible that you may experience diarrhea or other digestive issues in your first trimester.
Early on in your pregnancy, your body starts going through lots of changes, and these can affect your bowel movements, leading to either hard or loose stools. For example, as levels of the hormone progesterone increase, this can cause your digestive system to slow down, often leading to constipation.
Changes to your diet and nutrition as part of your pregnancy may result in changes in your bowels, too. For instance, if youâre eating more fiber now or taking prenatal vitamins, these changes can affect the frequency and consistency of your bowel movements.
For some people, consuming more fiber-rich foods â such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains â can help with constipation, but for others such a sudden change in diet can cause gas, cramping, and even diarrhea.
Drinking more water can help with constipation, and can help replenish the fluids lost by having diarrhea. Talk to your healthcare provider if youâre having trouble with any digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea in early pregnancy.
If youâre in the early stages of pregnancy and wondering when your little one is due, use our Due Date Calculator to get an estimate.