Ear Aches and Infections

Name: Ear Aches and Infections
SKU: 580
Price: 35.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £35.00

Suffering from an Ear infection? Let us help you

What is an Ear infection?

Ear infections are very common. They develop when bacteria or viruses infect the body, causing swelling and, in certain cases, a fluid build-up. There are numerous forms of ear infections that affect different areas of the ear and have distinct consequences. Our clinicians can go over your symptoms with you and, if feasible, determine the sort of ear infection you have. If required, they can prescribe the appropriate medicine to treat. Outer ear infections (also known as otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear”) cause inflammation, swelling, and discomfort of the ear canal. Middle ear infections (also known as otitis media) causes build-up of fluid behind the eardrum and inflammation (swelling and redness).

£35.00

What are the different types of Ear infections?

The following are different types:

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Description: The most common type of ear infection, AOM affects the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. It occurs when the Eustachian tube, which drains fluid from the middle ear, becomes blocked, leading to fluid buildup and infection.
Symptoms: Ear pain, fever, hearing difficulties, irritability in children, and sometimes fluid drainage from the ear.
Causes: Often follows a cold, sinus infection, or throat infection, where bacteria or viruses spread to the middle ear.

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

Description: This condition occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear after an infection has cleared or without an acute infection. It can affect hearing but often does not cause pain.
Symptoms: Hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and sometimes balance problems. Usually, no pain or fever is present.
Causes: Often follows an episode of acute otitis media or occurs due to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube.

Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME)

Description: COME occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear for a prolonged period or keeps returning without infection. It can lead to hearing difficulties and impact speech development in children.
Symptoms: Persistent hearing loss, feeling of fullness in the ear, and sometimes mild discomfort.
Causes: Recurrent or unresolved otitis media with effusion, often due to chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Description: An infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the ear canal when water remains in the ear after swimming.
Symptoms: Ear pain (especially when touching or pulling the ear), itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes discharge from the ear.
Causes: Bacterial or fungal infection due to moisture in the ear canal, use of objects like cotton swabs, or irritation from hearing aids or earplugs.

What are the causes of Ear Infections?

The following are causes:

Bacterial or Viral Infections: Often stemming from upper respiratory infections, colds, or sinus infections.

Allergies: Can cause inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tubes.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: In children, the Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making them more prone to blockage.

Water Trapped in the Ear: Commonly leads to otitis externa, especially after swimming.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or changes in altitude can contribute to ear infections.

What are the symptoms of Ear Infections?

The following are symptoms:

Ear Pain: The most common symptom, ranging from mild to severe.

Hearing Loss: Temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup or swelling.

Fullness in the Ear: A sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear.

Fluid Drainage: Clear, yellow, or bloody fluid may drain from the ear, particularly if the eardrum has ruptured.

Fever: Particularly common in acute otitis media.

Dizziness or Balance Problems: Infections affecting the inner ear can cause dizziness or problems with balance.

Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ear.

What is the treatment for ear infections?

The following will give you relief from discomfort and pain:

Place a warm or cold flannel on the ear

Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief

Wipe any discharge from the ear with a cotton wool.

Our clinicians can review and treat ear infections; you may require prescription medication if symptoms are persisting longer than 3 days, so please book a telephone or video consultation with a clinician.

If you suspect labyrinthitis, which is an inner ear infection and causes dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears and nausea, please see your regular doctor urgently for face-to-face assessment.

If you would like more information on ear infections, please click the NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/