Causes of Ear Infections

Ear infections can be painful and cause discomfort for those infected. There are two types of ear infections that people can get. One type is a middle ear infection. This type is the most common type of infection people get. The other type of infection is an inner ear infection.

Causes of Middle Ear Infections

There are tubes that run from your ear to your throat. When bacteria or a virus from another illness gets trapped in the tube, the tube will swell causing it to become blocked. Once this happens then ear pain will start. Bacterial infections are more common than viral infections. When you have strep throat, a sinus infection, or a cold the bacteria can travel from the throat down into the tubes of the ear. Viral infections are the result of different strains of the flu virus.

Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections

Symptoms can vary between individuals but most common are a low grade fever or headache and ear pain that can be mild to severe. In certain infections, the ear drum will burst allowing fluid to flow out of the ears. This fluid is typically yellowish in color. If treated properly, the ear drum will heal once the infection is gone. Other symptoms could include problems hearing low level noises and dizziness.

Causes of Inner Ear Infections

Inner ear infections can occur as a result of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, stress and even allergies. While this type of infection is not as common, if it is left untreated, it can result in permanent hearing loss. The most common cause for this type of infection is the result of upper respiratory infections. The most common symptom is dizziness, even while sitting or lying down.

Treatments for Ear Infections

There are several over the counter medications, natural treatments and home remedies that can be used to treat ear infections. Viral ear infections have to run their course as there are not any prescription medications to treat viruses. Extreme bacterial ear infections can be treated with prescription medications if needed. Most of the time natural treatments and home remedies will be sufficient treatments for the ear infection.