Allergy Ear Infection
Conditions
Ear Infection
What is Otitis Media?
Ear infections resulting from allergies act the same way as ear illnesses caused due to a virus or bacteria. They are the painful consequence of fluid getting trapped in the small space behind the eardrum. Otitis media is one such condition, referring to inflammation and swelling of the middle ear.
What are its causes and concerns?
Otitis Media is caused due to an ear infection in either one or both ears. Still, it may also be acquired by having a cold, allergies or an upper respiratory infection. An allergy ear infection typically indicates the presence of pus in the ear. Due to its buildup, the pus becomes pressurised, causing intense pain, swelling and redness. Severe cases may also see the eardrum rupturing, causing the pus to leak out of the ear.
Although Otitis media is commonly diagnosed among children, especially those with allergies, it affects adults as well. It is one of the most common reasons for hearing loss. Hearing impairment can, in turn, lead to more problems such as speech deficit and/or learning disorders. This condition may spread to other areas of the body, making it an even more serious concern.
Adults and children alike must take ear infections very seriously and seek immediate medical attention if one occurs. If taken care of promptly and correctly, it will not leave any lasting damage.
What are its symptoms?
Allergy ear infections have varying symptoms for children and adults. Infants typically show the following signs:
- Pain in the ear
- Hearing problems
- Tugging at the ears
- Ear drainage
- Irritability
- Fever
- Adults may show symptoms that are as follows:
- Earache
- Ear drainage
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Loss of hearing
- Difficulty hearing
- Feeling of pressure or fullness
What are the solutions and treatment options?
The doctor diagnoses your condition through a physical examination and testing. It involves the doctor looking inside the ear to check for fluid or pus buildup. They also check to see if the eardrum moves around or is stationary. Testing may involve performing an audiogram to test for any hearing loss due to the infection. A tympanogram may also be performed to measure air pressure in the ear, check the proper working of the tube and test the eardrum movement.
Suppose persistent allergies lead to a recurrence of Otitis media. In that case, the doctor may decide to drain the pus or fluid with tiny ear tubes. Sometimes, tonsils or adenoids could be the cause of recurring problems, in which case the doctor may request one or both of them to be removed.
