Infections may occur when there is an invasion of the body tissues by some pathogens when the body’s immune system functions to fight off these pathogens, such can also be seen as an infection, but it is the best mechanism for the body to weigh off these foreign particles from the body.
There are several forms of infections that can affect the human body, but in this article, we want to look at the meaning of ear infections, types of ear infections, causes, and possible Symptoms.
What Is Ear Infection?
This type of infection occurs when there is an invasion of the tissues within the auditory canal by bacteria or viruses, in most cases it will result in the inflammation of the middle ear, fluid buildup within the middle ear is also common during ear infections.
In many instances of ear infections, the middle ear is mostly affected, the middle ear is located just behind the eardrum, it is a fluid-filled inner space of the ear that functions majorly by converting sounds coming from outside the ear into a unique signal with the help of the brain that gives meaningful interpretation to the sound.
This type of infection can be very painful as a result of the landmarks that the middle ear occupies. When there’s fluid buildup and inflammation around this region of the ear, it exerts a form of pressure on the eardrum which may cause serious pain to be experienced.
Ear infection can be mild or severe, when it is severe, this can cause serious damage to the middle ear, this condition is known as otitis media, which is common in children.
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Types Of Ear Infection?
This may be categorized into three:
The most common among these infections is acute otitis media ( AOM), which is common and less serious. The middle ear is swollen with fluid retention in the middle ear, this fluid may press on the eardrum which could be painful, and in most cases, fever may begin.
There are cases where there are no traces of infection in the middle ear, but fluid buildup may be present, when this occurs, it is known as otitis media with effusion ( OME) it may be chronic, with the presence of fluid, this condition will reduce the ability to fight other ear infections.
Causes Of Ear Infection
Some forms of irritation and allergic reaction usually indicate possible infection of the ear, other indicators are cold or flu. This will cause an increase in the amount of mucus in the sinuses, eustachian fluid drainage will also slow down.
As mentioned earlier, viral and bacterial infections are some common causes of ear infections, which will cause the nasal passage to be swollen.
Prevention Of Ear Infection
The preventive method is always the best form of medicine. Although there is no specific and accurate method of ear infection prevention, nevertheless, there are recommended ways of prevention. Since this condition is often common in children due to their underdeveloped immune systems, there are a few best-recommended methods of prevention.
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Best-Recommended Methods Of Prevention
Complete Vaccination: children who are vaccinated hardly experience ear infections. Meningitis, pneumococcal and Influenza vaccines can go a long way to reduce the occurrence of ear infections in children.
Hygiene Practices: Proper washing of hands can help prevent pathogens that commonly cause ear infections.
Other conditions that may help prevent ear infections in babies are adequate breastfeeding, the baby should not be kept around a smoking environment, preventing milk from entering the middle ear, and antibiotics should not be administered only if it is necessary and prescribed. Ear infection can be very painful, when Properly prescribed treatment is given, ear infections can easily be treated.