Otitis media can occur due to allergies or colds, or it can occur as a result of serious problems. This inconvenience can be solved with simple methods. If the inflammation in the middle ear is not cured in time, a dangerous process leading to hearing loss may occur. In such a case, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Although otitis media usually resolves on its own, a treatment method should be applied.
The reason for the variation in the incidence of otitis media in children and adults is the Eustachian tube. Since the Eustachian tube is still horizontal and wide in children, fluid accumulation occurs more frequently, and this leads to inflammation. We can list the causes of ear inflammation as follows:
- Breast milk is very effective in the development of the child. In case of insufficient intake of breast milk, otitis media can be seen in babies.
- Upper respiratory tract infection, especially seen in cold weather, causes middle ear inflammation.
- Exposure to cigarette smoke also causes inflammation in the middle ear.
- Inflammation may occur as a result of the formation of viruses and bacteria, especially in children, when adequate care is not taken to cleanliness.
- Another factor that causes otitis media is the accumulation in the ear. Care should be taken while cleaning the ear and should not be pushed inside. If dirt accumulates for a long time, it will cause inflammation after a while.
Although the treatment after an inflammation problem works, it is possible to see this situation again. For this reason, middle ear inflammation may recur if care is not taken after treatment. Otitis media is caused by a blockage in the Eustachian tube located in the middle part of the ear. Symptoms of otitis media, which are mostly caused by colds such as:
- A feeling of stuffiness in the ear
- Persistent pain in the ear
- Difficulty in hearing
- Having a discharge in the ear
- Fire
- ringing in the ear
- Headache
- balance losses
In addition to these symptoms in otitis media, certain differences are observed in the ear. As a result of the examination of the inside of the ear by the doctor who goes to the control, symptoms such as redness or collapse in the eardrum may be seen. For this reason, it is necessary to see a doctor for a clear diagnosis and correct treatment.
What are the symptoms of otitis media in adults?
Otitis media can occur in children and adults in different ways. This situation, which is more common in children, occurs when adults are not paid attention. The first symptoms of otitis media in adults are ear congestion and pain. This pain can occur in one ear or in both ears. Since the ear is an important area that helps to maintain balance, loss of balance is seen in case of inflammation. In cases of inflammation in adulthood, timely intervention and effective treatment are important. In some cases, the inflammation may take a few days, and in some cases, it may vary between a week and two. Although there is a possibility that ear infection will go away on its own, it should not be risked because it is a health problem.
What are the symptoms of otitis media in babies?
Sometimes inflammation may occur in the ear from the upper respiratory tract and sometimes from allergic reactions. Influenza infections are one of the most important factors that cause otitis media. Acute otitis media is a temporary and sudden onset condition. Acute inflammation is much more common in children. Being more susceptible to diseases can also make them vulnerable to the effects of these diseases on the body. At the same time, since they are in the developmental period, the Eustachian tube in the ear has not yet completed its development and is in a state that allows microbes to accumulate in shape. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms in order to understand whether there is otitis media in babies. Symptoms of otitis media in babies:
- Crying more and more often than usual
- sleep problems
- High fever
- Unrest
- Ear pillow etc. rubbing on the ground
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite and balance
- ear discharge
- Don’t keep your hand on your ear
Since babies’ hands are constantly in motion and they touch something, the act of constantly bringing their hands to their ears is not always a sign of inflammation. However, if other symptoms are also observed, a doctor should be consulted.
How does a middle ear infection heal?
In cases of ear infection, certain treatment methods are applied. After these treatments are applied, the healing process begins. Otitis media usually lasts for a few days and can heal on its own. If it does not require a serious intervention, recovery symptoms of otitis media can be supported by applying appropriate treatment supplements at home. Medicines for otitis media have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Antibiotics are also very effective against ear infections. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the use of medication. Apart from the drugs, there are drops for direct effect inside the ear. These can also be used within the doctor’s recommendation. In some cases, ear infection can turn into a chronic problem. In such cases, more serious treatments are required.
During the healing process of otitis media, it is observed that the symptoms change and healing takes place. The first signs of otitis media healing are the pain caused by the inflammation and its disappearance over time. At the same time, the disappearance of the difficulty in hearing is among the signs of healing of otitis media. Necessary care should be taken to prevent ear infection and measures should be taken to prevent the same thing from happening again in the following process. If the healing symptoms of otitis media are not completely stopped, or if the ear health is not taken care of after the healing symptoms of otitis media are over, the inflammation may recur.
As signs of recovery from otitis media, the feeling of congestion in the ear gradually disappears. However, the current begins to end with the effect of healing. Unless the inflammation in the middle ear is treated, it can cause hearing problems because it affects the eardrum. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to do what is necessary when the symptoms are seen.
What is good for ear infections?
Inflammatory conditions affecting the Eustachian tube in the middle of the ear can cause serious problems as it also affects the eardrum. For this reason, in addition to paying attention to the cleanliness of the ear, the ear should also be checked in cases such as colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Despite the precautions taken to prevent otitis media, when such a problem occurs, trying to heal with herbal methods at home may lead to more serious problems in the future. For this reason, treatment should be started as soon as the symptoms start to appear. In addition, the use of antibiotics without consulting a specialist is not recommended. Methods you can do for ear infections at home:
- Compressing with a warm towel can be done intermittently to reduce the pain in the ear.
- Chewing gum helps relax the Eustachian tube. At the same time, jaw movements can help relax the ear and reduce pain.
- Drinking hot herbal teas such as linden and chamomile helps with ear infections due to throat infections.
- Consuming foods containing vitamin C accelerates the healing process.