- 02 Apr 2009
Description and Possible Medical Problems
Small children are no strangers to the pain of ear infections, which can cause the ear to feel very full, but adults in midlife years and older can get them, too, though they tend to occur less often. Ear infections are sometimes accompanied by pain and fever.
If you suddenly lose some of your ability to hear and also have a fever and an earache, and/or you feel nauseous, you probably have an ear infection known as otitis media. You may also feel dizzy and be aware of a faint buzzing in your ears.
There are four kinds of otitis media, which range from mild to severe. In serous otitis media, fluid is present in the middle ear, while in otitis media with effusion, fluid also collects in the middle ear but is accompanied by an infection. Secretory otitis media alters the cells that line the middle ear so that the trapped fluid thickens and oozes from the ear. In acute purulent otitis media, pus accumulates in the middle ear, making it the most dangerous type of ear infection since the pus can build up enough pressure to burst the eardrum.
Treatment
Since it’s difficult to know which of the four types of otitis media you have, it’s important to see your physician whenever you have an ear infection. She will probably prescribe a decongestant such as Seldane, Claritin, or Hismanal for you to take for two weeks or longer, which will help to unclog the middle ear. She may also prescribe an antibiotic such as penicillin or Keflex when an infection is present. An untreated infection can lead to a chronic ear infection, which, in some cases, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
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- Tags: General health
- Category: General health