Overview
Ear Infection can either occur in the external ear canal, the middle ear or the inner ear. If it affects the external ear canal, it is called otitis externa and when it affects the middle ear, it is called otitis media. Most commonly, the middle ear is affected.Signs and Symptoms
Ear pain, Feeling of pressure in the ear, Irritation or itchiness in the ear, Ear discharge, Fever, Reduced hearing, Headache, Trouble sleepingCommon Causes
Allergy, Cold and flu, Injury to the ear, Foreign body in the earRisk Factors
Younger age group, Allergy, Common colds, Upper respiratory tract infection, Birth deformities such as cleft palate, Chronic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Swimming, SmokingInvestigation Techniques
Ear examination using otoscope, Ear swab for culture and sensitivityTreatment and Prevention
Topical antibiotic drop, Oral antibiotic, Nasal decongestant, Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Ear toileting, Mastoidectomy
