Infection of the ear canal is caused by bacteria or, less frequently, by fungi. Typical symptoms are ear pain and discharge. Removing debris, using antibiotic ear drops, avoiding water in the ear and using cotton swabs, and using painkillers are the most common forms of treatment. But the best is definitivly using home remedies:
Ear Infection
The infection may affect the entire ear canal, as in generalized or acute otitis externa, or only a small area, when pus accumulates and forms boils or papules. Malignant otitis externa is a rare and very severe infection of the outer ear that has spread to the temporal bone of the skull, causing a bone infection (osteomyelitis).
In a typical ear infection, the middle ear (behind the eardrum) becomes inflamed and filled with fluid. This is called otitis media.
Most acute ear infections usually go away on their own. If they keep coming back, they are called recurrent infections. Recurrent ear infections can cause a build-up of fluid in the middle ear that doesn’t go away. This is called a chronic ear infection.
Causes
An ear infection is usually caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the body through the nose and mouth. Respiratory infections, allergies and air pollutants (such as cigarette smoke) can also lead to ear infections.
Several bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus, can infect the ear canal. Fungal infection of the ear canal (otomycosis), usually caused by Aspergillus niger or Candida albicans, is less common. Boils are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Some people, especially those with allergies, psoriasis, eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis, are particularly prone to acute otitis externa.
Common risk factors for ear canal infection include:
- Damage to the ear canal during cleaning
- Entry of water into the ear, especially during swimming (so-called swimmer’s ear)
- Use of earplugs or hearing aids (especially if they are not cleaned properly)
- Getting irritating products in the ear, such as hairspray or hair dye
- The use of cotton swabs to clean the ear is a very common risk factor for ear canal infection. Cotton swabs should not be inserted into the ear canal.
Symptoms
Infants and toddlers often start scratching their ears and have hearing problems, fever, ear discharge, irritability and vomiting. In older children and adults, symptoms include earache, hearing problems, pressure in the ear, fever, ear discharge, dizziness and loss of balance associated with nausea or vomiting. Symptoms without pain or fever may also indicate the presence of fluid in the ear.
The symptoms of acute otitis externa include pain, redness and discharge. The discharge is a white or yellowish, foul-smelling substance that flows from the ear. The ear canal may not be swollen or may be slightly swollen. In severe cases, the swelling may cause a complete blockage. Swelling of the ear canal or the presence of pus and scabs may cause a decrease in hearing. The ear canal is usually tender and painful, especially if the outer ear (pinna) is pulled or if the skin fold and cartilage in front of the ear canal (tragus) are pressed.
Fungal infection of the ear canal causes more intense itching than pain, with a feeling of fullness in the ear. Fungal infection caused by Aspergillus niger usually results in the formation of greyish-black or yellow dots (called fungal conidiophores) surrounded by a cottony material (called fungal spores) in the ear canal. Fungal infection caused by Candida albicans does not cause visible fungus formation, but usually results in a thick cream-coloured discharge.
Boils cause very intense pain. When they rupture, a small amount of blood and pus may come out of the ear.
Risk Factors
Infants and children who are just starting to walk are at greater risk for ear infections because their ears and throat are not yet fully developed. They are also at risk if they are kept in a community with many other children.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a careful examination, take a history of symptoms and perform some simple tests. He or she will look for mobility of the eardrum, proper functioning of the eustachian tube, fluid in the middle ear, and whether hearing loss has occurred.
Just because an infant is irritable and rubs his or her ears does not necessarily mean that there is an infection or serious ear problem. A thorough examination and history of symptoms can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.