Ear Infection in Adults

Ear infection is more common in children, but adults can also be affected by this condition. This condition can be divided into two categories - outer ear infection and acute middle ear infection. The former is commonly called otitis externa, while latter is called otitis media. It is otitis externa which is most common among adults and it is caused when the outer surface of the ear is continuously comes in contact with contaminated water. Contaminated water may contain harmful fungus or bacteria, thus leading to bacterial or fungal ear infection. On the other hand, middle ear infection is common in children, wherein the ear becomes inflamed, mainly due to bacterial infection, caused by common cold, respiratory or breathing problems and sore throat. Ear infection in adults is not as frequent as in children, but it's necessary to know what causes it. There's a tube in the inner ear called the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasal passage and the inner ear. It's when mucous or fluid fills this tube, that it becomes an ideal breeding ground for infection, thereby causing ear infection in adults.

Symptoms
One of the most common inner ear infection symptoms in adults is ear pain which may be accompanied by slight fever. Many a time, there may be drainage of earwax, especially when the eardrum ruptures. Temporary hearing loss and dizziness are also some common sign that there is an infection in the ear. If you may feel a kind of pressure inside the ear, it may indicate that there is something wrong in the ears. Additionally, you may lose balance while walking. Some of the other symptoms in adults include ear redness, pain which increases whenever the jaws and ear lobes are moved, slight fever, skin flaking and pus drainage from the ear. However, these symptoms are similar to other medical conditions as well, so you need to get in touch with your doctor, so that the exact reasons for these symptoms is diagnosed.

Home Treatment
There is nothing to worry about an ear infection and the best part is there are several home remedies available. You can apply a cold wash cloth or cold pack on the ear, which will help in pain relief. You can also opt to buy chewing gum which contain xylitol, as it helps in relieving and loosening pressure and at the same time preventing bacterial development in the nasal passage and the inner ear. Moreover, you can also use olive oil or garlic oil for ear infection as they are effective in relieving ear pain and congestion. However, make sure you use it only if the eardrum is not ruptured. If you find it uncomfortable to lie down, you can try to rest in a slightly upright position so that pressure on the upper ear is relieved. Consult your doctor or health practitioner to know the cure for the infection, so that you know the complete range of treatment options available.

Complications
If adult ear infection is not taken care of at an early stage, it may lead to several complications. But if treated early, it can be easily dealt with. Some of the most common complications include extreme pain and pressure and accumulation of fluid in the ear. The main reason for pain and pressure in the ears is that, there is swelling of the inner ear tissues due to trapped fluid or infection and it's the swelling that pushes the ear.

Treating an Ear Infection in Adults
Other than the home remedies mentioned above, you can take ear infection antibiotics for getting rid of this condition. If the ear infection is chronic, keeps coming back every now and then and is caused due to increase in size of tiny bones in the ear, then they may need surgical intervention so that the size is reduced. You should avoid cigarette smoke so that future infection is prevented. Moreover, you need to ensure that you remove any buildup of mucous so that the condition does not aggravate. There are several treatment options available which you can use and one of the most common is over the counter ear drops.

So, ear infection in adults is a common condition, but you need to make sure that you get medical help so that the condition does not aggravate. As with all medical conditions, the doctor knows best, and you should consult one if you have any doubts.