Ear Infection During Pregnancy

The human ear is a sensory organ that helps us hear, and also helps in maintaining the balance of the body. It is divided into the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Exposure to pathogens is one of the most common causes of inflammation of any of the three sections of the ear. In medical terminology, inflammation of the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear, are referred to as otitis interna, otitis media and otitis externa respectively. While ear infections are very common in infants, mainly due to the fact, that their immune system has not yet fully developed, ear infections are not uncommon in adults. While ear infections can be treated with the help of drugs, there is a need to exercise caution when it comes to the treatment of ear infections in pregnant women. Given below is some information on the causes of ear infections in pregnant women along with information on whether it's safe to use drugs for treating an ear infection during pregnancy.

What Causes Ear Infections in Pregnant Women?

An ear infection occurs when disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses, find a way into the ear. Exposure to the pathogens gives rise to inflammation, which in turn, may give rise to temporary hearing loss and a variety of other distressing symptoms. Ear infections in adults mainly occur due to blockage of Eustachian tube. Eustachian tube is a slender and narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx. While this tube equalizes the middle ear pressure with the atmospheric pressure, it also drains the secretions from the middle ear.

If this tube becomes blocked, the ear secretions or infected fluid may not be drained out. The fluid may start putting pressure on the eardrum. When the middle ear gets clogged due to improper drainage, bacteria or viruses may start multiplying. Most of the time, such ear infections may occur due to exposure to bacteria or viruses that cause common ailments such as cold, influenza or sinus infections. Pregnant women, must, therefore, be very careful during the seasons when such infections are prevalent. If they do experience symptoms, such as earache, headache, temporary hearing loss, ear discharge or a feeling of pressure in the ear, they must consult a doctor immediately. It is extremely important to determine the nature of the infection. Once the causal organism has been identified by the doctors, they can suggest the best treatment option.

Treatment of Ear Infections in Pregnant Women

In case of a severe bacterial ear infection, doctors may have to prescribe antibiotics for alleviating the symptoms of a middle ear infection or an inner ear infection during pregnancy. However, doctors make sure that they study the possible risks or the side effects of drugs on the fetus, before prescribing any drug for the treatment of ear infection. Doctors make sure that they prescribe an antibiotic that is considered to be safe. Whether or not an antibiotic would be prescribed during pregnancy would depend on the category under which these drugs have been placed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The drugs are placed under pregnancy category system, wherein the classification is made on the basis of risks to a fetus that may be caused owing to the usage of any particular antibiotic. Amoxicillin and Tylenol are antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for treating ear infections in pregnant women. These are placed under category B. While studies have revealed that category A antibiotics are safest as these don't cause any harm to the fetus, most of the antibiotics are placed in the category B. Though the use of these antibiotics has not been linked any complications or adverse impact on the growth of the fetus, such assumptions are based on studies that have been conducted on animals. Though these are definitely safer than antibiotics in category C and category D, these must be used only if your healthcare provider feels that these drugs don't pose any risks. The patient must also take it as per the prescribed dosage.

Women can also try certain home remedies for alleviating the symptoms of an ear infection. One could apply warm compresses on the affected ear. Putting a few drops of slightly warm olive oil in the affected ear may also help in the treating the ear pressure that may be caused due to a buildup of wax. You can also fill up salt in a clean sock and warm it a little in the microwave. Placing this warm sock over the infected ear, may help in draining out the wax. This will help in reducing the feeling of pressure in the ear. Since common cold, flu or sinus infections can also increase the risk of ear infections in pregnant women, women who are pregnant must make sure that they consult a doctor on experiencing symptoms associated with any of these diseases. Inhalation of steam is one such home remedy that will certainly loosen up mucus, and help in alleviating the symptoms to some extent. You can also consult a herbal practitioner regarding herbal concoctions that are considered to be safe for treating ear infection during the course of pregnancy. However, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider before trying any of the alternative healing remedies.

Pregnancy is a time where even a small insignificant health problem, may stress women out. Such fears are natural, after all, nothing is more important to a pregnant woman than the health of the fetus. So, make sure that you seek medical help If you do experience any of the aforementioned ear infections symptoms.