Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

Although ear infections are more common in children, they can also affect adults. Otitis media is the most commonly experienced ear infection. It is also known as middle ear infection. It is caused by an inflammation of the middle ear. When the bacteria or infectants causing cold, sore throat and other respiratory problems spread to the middle ear, it results in inflammation. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear or outer ear infection, is another type of ear infection found in adults.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

Pain and inflammation are the most evident and rough symptoms of an infection of the ears. Ear infection symptoms in adults and children are, more or less, the same. The following paragraphs lay down a detailed account of what signs indicate towards a possible infection of an ear.

Middle Ear Infection
Ear infections are less frequent in adults. If it does affect adults, it is symptomized by fever, ear pain, ear blockage, dizziness, temporary hearing loss, etc. However, it is not necessary that these symptoms specifically indicate an ear infection. They could be due to other health problems as well. Some people experience an upset stomach or diarrhea and vomiting. If the eardrum is damaged or broken, then there is a leakage of fluid from the ear. However, any uneasy feeling in the ears should be reported to the doctor for pinpointing the real cause and going for appropriate treatment.

Outer Ear Infection
Some of the common symptoms of otitis externa are itchiness in the ear, pain in the ear that worsens with the movement of the ear lobe or jaw, discharge from the ear, temporary hearing loss, inflammation in the ear and a slight fever.

Diagnosing Adult Ear Infections

If you experience the signs and symptoms of an ear infection, then you should immediately contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor will carry out a physical examination to check the ear canal for inflammation or accumulation of fluid. If there is an ear infection, the ear canal may be red and swollen. There may also be a foul-smelling discharge from the ear.

Causes of Adult Ear Infections

Middle Ear Infection
Bacterial or viral agents are the most common causes of ear problems in adults. They reach the middle ear through the lining of the Eustachian tube and incubate. It results in the swelling of the lining of the middle ear, which blocks the Eustachian tube. White blood cells rush in from the bloodstream to fight the infection and during this process, there is an accumulation of killed bacteria and dead white cells, resulting in the formation of pus in the middle ear. Due to the accumulation of this pus, the eardrum and middle ear bones are unable to move freely, causing hearing issues. As the infection worsens, severe pain is experienced in the ear. People with allergies, certain birth defects such as a cleft palate, nervous system abnormalities and Down syndrome are at a higher risk of otitis media.

Outer Ear Infection
Otitis externa is caused by fungi or bacteria which invade the ear under extremely wet or moist conditions. Frequent swimming increases the chances of this infection. That's why this type of infection is also known as swimmer's ear.

Treatment for Adult Ear Infections

Treatment for adult ear infections includes application of ear-drops containing antibiotics or a course of oral antibiotics. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain.

Do not consume or use any medication without the prescription of a medical practitioner. You may end up worsening the condition. Also, it is advise to prevent any kind of moisture, other than the prescribed drops, to enter the ears. Traditional remedies such as pouring warm oil into the ear should be totally avoided as the warmth may take away the pain for sometime but the infection will either get worse or the healing process would be stunted by the oil.