What Are the Possible Complications of Ear Infections?


Children and adults all suffer from different types of ear infections. However, it has been noticed that children suffer from ear infections more than adults, so parents need to take extra care of their children for ear infections. Ear infection can develop due to several causes and can deliver massive pain unless you take proper medications.

Probable Symptoms of Ear Infections

An ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, develops in the middle of the ear. Diseases generate inside the air-filled area inside the ear, and once you start feeling pain, you need to consult with doctors.

Children suffer from ear infections more than adults.

  • Kids will face ear pain, especially lying in bed.

  • They will feel huge pain while pulling their ears.

  • Kids may feel trouble while sleeping due to ear infection

  • Fussiness and loss of balance can also be a part of ear infections.

  • Headache, drainage, and loss of appetite are common symptoms of ear infections in kids. 

Like kids, adults can also suffer from ear infections and feel problems like ear pain, fluid from the ear, hearing trouble, etc.

Complications of Ear Infection

According to experts, frequent ear infections can heal independently, and it is not contagious. Superficial ear infections can get cured using over-the-counter medication or antibiotics. An ear infection is most common among children. Ear infection in children can lead to several complications. Let’s check some probable complications that kids can suffer from ear infections.

Hearing Loss

Grown-ups or children can face hearing loss if the infection is not cured completely. As per experts, hearing loss is often temporary and can be cured with proper medications. Research says that only 2 out of 10000 kids suffer permanent hearing loss due to a middle ear infection.

An ear infection is troublesome for young children who have just learned to speak. It can become more severe if kids suffer from an ear infection that affects both sides. Persisting hearing loss can stop children in their easy learning.

Brain Abscess

Brain Abscess is when pus assembles in the brain due to infection. The prime cause of brain abscesses is an infection due by bacteria and fungi. The probable reasons for Brain Abscesses are ear infection, sinusitis, pneumonia, head injury, dental problem, etc.

Once individuals start suffering from this disease, they can suffer from problems like

  • Headache

  • Alteration in the mental state

  • High temperature

  • Stiff neck and change in vision, etc.

Doctors usually suggest blood tests, CT scans, MRI, etc., diagnose the cause of brain abscesses and suggest the best remedies.

Mastoiditis

This problem arose when the bones behind the ear got infected. This infection can be mild in the beginning, but it can become severe over time. If an ear infection is not cured entirely and the problem repeats, it can cause Mastoiditis. Parents will notice inflamed and redbones behind the ear. Parents need to consult with ENT specialists before the infection spreads more. But if the treatment does not work correctly, children can suffer from other problems like meningitis, hearing loss, brain abscess, etc.

Cracked Eardrum

Ear infection can build fluid inside the eardrum, and the eardrum can burst or get cracked. It can develop due to middle ear infection, Barotrauma, loud sound, use of small objects inside the ear, head trauma, etc.

A cracked eardrum can develop the problems like hearing loss, middle ear infection, cholesteatoma, etc. Experts suggest not using objects inside the ear and getting proper medication for middle ear infections. It is recommended to keep your ear safe from loud noise.

Meningitis

The protective membrane that covers the brain and the spinal cord can get inflamed due to infection, known as meningitis. Bacterial infection typically develops in this situation, but other diseases like cancer and consumption of different medications can sometimes develop this disease. Sometimes, a condition in the middle ear can cause meningitis; however, it is rare.

If meningitis is caused by ear or sinus infection, it is known as bacterial meningitis. Here the bacteria enter the bloodstream and roam through the brain & spine. Bacteria responsible for bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides, Haemophilus influenza, Listeria monocytogenes, etc.

Facial Paralysis

Individuals can have facial paralysis due to swelling in the facial nerve. It can be caused due to damage to the part of the brain that sends signals to the facial nerve. This health hazard is also known as Bell’s palsy, and people can suffer from the problems mentioned below.

  • It can cause paralysis on one side of the face

  • Headache and loss of taste

  • You can also feel pain around the jaw

Remedies Ffor Ear Infection

Suffering from ear infections always requires proper medication, and here people need to consult with professionals for the best remedies. Experts often suggest some home remedies which can give you relief.

Tylenol and Advil are common over-the-counter medications that will heal you from ear infections. Parents need to consult with doctors before using any medications for them.

Another effective way to stay away from ear infections is a warm air compress. Warm air compress can help to reduce the pain. Saltwater gargling is another excellent remedy for ear infections and swelling. You can try this method daily two times.

Hydrogen peroxide can use to get relief from an ear infection. Experts suggest placing a few droplets of hydrogen peroxide inside the affected ear. It will help you to feel less pain. Hence, if you have been suffering from ear pain for over two days and fluid comes from the ear, you should visit ENT specialists immediately.

Conclusion

Suffering from an ear infection is not uncommon in kids; many times, adults can also suffer from viral infections in the ear. It is necessary to consult with professionals for the best remedies. It would help if you washed your hands to avoid germs, and your kids need to vaccinate immediately.

Updated on: 12-Apr-2023

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