What Happens If My Child Keeps Getting Ear Infections
To keep a middle ear infection from coming back, it helps to limit some of the factors that might put your child at risk, such as not being around people who smoke and not going to bed with a bottle. In spite of these precautions, some children may continue to have middle ear infections, sometimes as many as five or six a year. Your doctor may want to wait for several months to see if things get better on their own but, if the infections keep coming back and antibiotics arent helping, many doctors will recommend a surgical procedure that places a small ventilation tube in the eardrum to improve air flow and prevent fluid backup in the middle ear. The most commonly used tubes stay in place for six to nine months and require follow-up visits until they fall out.
If placement of the tubes still doesnt prevent infections, a doctor may consider removing the adenoids to prevent infection from spreading to the eustachian tubes.
Ear Infections In Older Adults
While ear infections are more common in children, older adults can also get them.
Swimmerâs ear is most common in people ages 45 to 75. A potentially life threatening ear infection, malignant otitis externa , mostly occurs in older people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.
The aging process may affect the structure of the ears, making older adults more susceptible to ear diseases.
A of 138 people ages 60 and over found that 9.4% had a middle ear infection.
Older adults who have ear infections may experience symptoms such as the following:
What Causes Inner Ear Infections
Infections can happen in any part of the ear, including the inner section. When the inner ear is infected, the problem is sometimes known as labyrinthitis.
The infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria, which usually reach the inner ear after affecting another part of your body.
- Viral Infections: Lots of different viruses can affect the inner ear, including the common cold and flu. The infection usually spread to the inner ear from other parts of the body , so you may start to develop symptoms related to your inner ear after noticing cold-like symptoms. Antibiotics cant help with this type of infection.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections are less common, especially in adults, but they can happen. Bacteria are more likely to get into the inner ear if the membranes separating it from the inner ear are broken, which might happen if you have a middle ear infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria then taking antibiotics might help.
In some cases, the problem that we call an inner ear infection isnt actually an infection at all. Labyrinthitis can happen when the inner ear becomes inflamed for other reasons, for example if you have an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the tissue. You might need to get treatment for this underlying condition in order to prevent the inner ear problems from returning.
Don’t Miss: Do Va Benefits Cover Hearing Aids
Common Signs Of Pediatric Ear Infection
Although some ear infections are painless, others cause ear pain, fever, hearing loss, and dizziness, a condition called acute otitis media. Every parent knows the agony of trying to soothe a screaming toddler with fever, ear pain, and sleeplessness. Some choose to turn to home remedies passed down in the family first, such as warm compresses, propping the babys head up with pillows, and holding or otherwise soothing babies and young children through their pain. However, high fevers, especially in babies prolonged symptoms hearing loss severe pain or ear discharge typically send parents to the pediatrician. There, the doctor can look for clues to the origins and treatment in the childs medical history and in the ears with special instruments, like the otoscope that illuminates the ear canal and the tympanometer that tests the flexibility of the eardrum under air pressure.
While some ear infections resolve on their own in a few days with an over-the-counter pain reliever and antibiotics, early diagnosis and treatment ward off more serious conditions and complications.
Should I Call My Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.
The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.
Also Check: Best Abx For Ear Infection
Also Check: Can A Car Accident Cause Hearing Loss
Can Yeast Infections Go Away On Their Own
Theres a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.
If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. Theres also the possibility that youve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
The Department of Health and Human Services indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis . This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.
RVVC can occur in healthy women, but its more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.
Constant Sinus Infections: What Do I Do
Millions of people around the world may find themselves asking this question over and over again. You have a sinus infection and use nasal sprays or other medication to relieve your symptoms until it subsides, only to be disappointed when it comes right back after just a week or two of relief. This painful pattern can turn your everyday life into absolute misery and make even the simplest of things feel difficult and tiring.
Sinus pressure and pain leads to headaches, congestion that makes it difficult to breathe, and sleepless nights. These are just a few of the painful outcomes that recurring sinus infections may bring to its most severe sufferers. Not only does sinus pain make you feel terrible, reduce productivity, and make you miss out on lifeâs biggest moments, it can also contribute to other serious health problems. Sinus pain should not come and go as it pleases, its time to take back control from your sinuses.
Also Check: Can You Treat A Tooth Infection At Home
Recommended Reading: Can Sensorineural Hearing Loss Get Better
What Are The Possible Complications Of Ear Infections
The common ear infection can sometimes lead to hearing problems and, rarely, serious and even life-threatening complications.
The common ear infection can sometimes lead to hearing problems and, rarely, serious and even life-threatening complications.
Shutterstock
Ear infections arent usually a huge cause for concern. Theyre not contagious, and in most cases they clear up on their own or with over-the-counter pain medicine and a round of antibiotics.
Theyre also very common, especially among children. In fact, at least 8 in 10 children will have one or more ear infections by their third birthday.
Complications, though rare, do occur. When they do, they can be serious.
Complications can happen at any age, but they’re much more common in children under the age of 1, says Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, a partner at ENT and Allergy Associates in New York City.
We’re really aggressive when a small baby comes in with an ear infection because their preformed pathways between the brain and the ear there are a couple that are open, which makes small children more prone to complications, Dr. Chandrasekhar says. Young children we treat early and aggressively to prevent complications.
The following are some complications associated with ear infections:
What Research Is Being Done On Middle Ear Infections
Researchers sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders are exploring many areas to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of middle ear infections. For example, finding better ways to predict which children are at higher risk of developing an ear infection could lead to successful prevention tactics.
Another area that needs exploration is why some children have more ear infections than others. For example, Native American and Hispanic children have more infections than do children in other ethnic groups. What kinds of preventive measures could be taken to lower the risks?
Doctors also are beginning to learn more about what happens in the ears of children who have recurring ear infections. They have identified colonies of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, called biofilms, that are present in the middle ears of most children with chronic ear infections. Understanding how to attack and kill these biofilms would be one way to successfully treat chronic ear infections and avoid surgery.
Understanding the impact that ear infections have on a childs speech and language development is another important area of study. Creating more accurate methods to diagnose middle ear infections would help doctors prescribe more targeted treatments. Researchers also are evaluating drugs currently being used to treat ear infections, and developing new, more effective and easier ways to administer medicines.
Also Check: How To Get Water Out Of A Child’s Ear
Video Answer: Ear Hematoma In Dogs
What happens if your dog does not have surgery? If a haematoma is left untreated the blood in the ear flap will separate into serum and a clot and will gradually be absorbed over a period of 10 days to 6 weeks.
It also causes a deformity of the ear flap resulting in a “cauliflower ear” which may cause further problems.
If left untreated, the condition can lead to cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs , malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death.
Diabetes mainly affects middle-age and older dogs, but there are juvenile cases.
Causing irritation and inflammation, ear mites can infect the external and internal canal, and lead to more serious skin or ear infections if left untreated. Infection usually produces a characteristic dark discharge in some cases, the ear canal can become entirely obstructed by this coffee ground-like debris.
Eventually, the dog passes cysts in its stool.
However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal if left untreated.
The likelihood of developing disease increases when large numbers of cysts are present in the environment from fecal contamination.
Regardless, if left untreated, your pet will continue to experience the clinical signs of hypercalcemia.
Complications Of An Untreated Sinus Infection
A mild case of acute sinusitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and natural remedies like nasal irrigation, decongestants, steam inhalation, rest and plenty of fluids. Sinus infections that linger for weeks or months can require more intense treatment. Antibiotics and medication directed at the sinus inflammation may return normal sinus function. Surgery can be an option in cases of recurrent acute sinusitis or chronic sinus infections.
Most sinus infections will resolve in a week or two. However, there are rare cases of serious and potentially life-threatening complications that may arise. Knowing what the signs and symptoms of these complications can keep a complication from becoming a catastrophe.
The thin sinus walls share a border with the surrounding tissue including the eyes, brain and major nerves and blood vessels. A sinus infection can sometimes spread beyond the border of the sinuses. Read below about the potential rare consequences of an untreated sinus infection.
In rare situations, the failure to treat a sinus infection can lead to a serious complication.
Also Check: Can You Die From An Ear Infection
You May Like: Which Antibiotics Are Used For Ear Infections
Types Of Sinus Infections
During your visit with an ENT, its crucial to identify the potential causes of your sinus infections. Identifying the root of your health concerns helps the doctor design an optimal treatment plan to alleviate your pain.
Its common for sinus infections to be caused by a viral infection, which means that you can use at-home care for a few days. The symptoms will usually clear up in a week to 10 days, with over-the-counter remedies to help you stay comfortable.
Blocked, congested sinuses can also be the perfect breeding ground for the growth of bacteria. For example, there are times when it starts as a viral infection, then develops into a bacterial sinus infection.
Another potential cause of sinus discomfort is a fungal infection. Treatment for this type of condition may require different kinds of medication or surgery to clear up the infection.
Keep in mind that certain health conditions might contribute to the risk of sinus infections but dont cause the infections directly:
These health issues result in sinus blockages, which creates the conditions for an infection to form.
What Can I Do For My Child Now
Do what you can for your childs pain and tears. In addition to giving him lots of TLC, you can give him pain relievers, or your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving ear drops. You may also want to talk with your doctor about getting your childs hearing tested chronic ear infections or chronic fluid buildup in the ear can cause hearing problems, which in turn can cause speech delays.
Also Check: Baby Sign Language Hungry
Read Also: Can Ear Infection Feel Like Toothache
Otitis Media In Adults
Otitis media is another name for a middle ear infection. It means an infection behind your eardrum. This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear. These conditions include allergies, a cold, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
Middle ear infections are common in children, but they can also happen in adults. An ear infection in an adult may mean a more serious problem than in a child. So you may need additional tests. If you have an ear infection, you should see your healthcare provider for treatment. If they happen repeatedly, you should see an otolaryngologist or an otologist .
What are the types of middle ear infections?
Infections can affect the middle ear in several ways. They are:
Who is more likely to get a middle ear infection?
You are more likely to get an ear infection if you:
- Smoke or are around someone who smokes
- Have seasonal or year-round allergy symptoms
- Have a cold or other upper respiratory infection
What causes a middle ear infection?
The middle ear connects to the throat by a canal called the eustachian tube. This tube helps even out the pressure between the outer ear and the inner ear. A cold or allergy can irritate the tube or cause the area around it to swell. This can keep fluid from draining from the middle ear. The fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow in this fluid. The bacteria and viruses cause the middle ear infection.
Risk Factors For Ear Infections Include:
Age
Children from 6 months to 2 years old are susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of their eustachian tubes and due to their poorly developed immune system.
Group childcare
Children taking care in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than children who live at home because they are in contact with more infections such as a common cold.
Infant feeding
Children who drink bottles have higher ear infections compared to breastfeeding children.
Seasonal factors
An ear infection is the most common when cold and flu occurs. People with seasonal allergies may have a high risk of ear infection.
Poor air quality
Exposure to high levels of tobacco smoke or air pollution can increase the risk of ear infection.
Read Also: What Is The Ivy League Formula For Tinnitus
What Will Happen If A Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated
If a mild yeast infection is left untreated, it may go away on its own in a few days. More severe yeast infections could take up to 2 weeks to clear without treatment.
If your infection is causing painful and uncomfortable symptoms for more than 3 days, you should seek medical treatment.
The length and type of treatment for a yeast infection vary greatly from person to person and depend on the individual symptoms and severity.
Can Ear Infections Be Prevented
Some lifestyle choices can help protect kids from ear infections:
- Breastfeed infants for at least 6 months to help to prevent the development of early episodes of ear infections. If a baby is bottle-fed, hold the baby at an angle instead of lying the child down with the bottle.
- Prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase the number and severity of ear infections.
- Parents and kids should wash their hands well and often. This is one of the most important ways to stop the spread of germs that can cause colds and, therefore, ear infections.
- Keep childrenâs immunizations up to date because certain vaccines can help prevent ear infections.
Donât Miss: Im Sorry In Sign Language
Recommended Reading: How To Use Airpods As Hearing Aids On Android
Pain Or Pressure In Your Sinuses
Facial pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. You have several different sinuses above and below your eyes, as well as behind your nose. Any of these air-filled cavities can hurt when you have a sinus infection.
Inflammation and swelling can cause your sinuses to ache with dull pressure. This is because inflammation may alter the typical path of mucus from the nose to the back of the throat.
You may feel pain in:
- your forehead
- on either side of your nose
- in your upper jaws and teeth
- between your eyes
This may lead to a headache. Headaches caused by sinus infections can occur where the sinuses are or in other places.
Dont Miss: Can A Doctor Help With Tooth Infection