Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrimary CausesRisk FactorsOuter/Inner Ear Infections
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Primary Causes
Risk Factors
Outer/Inner Ear Infections
Infections can affect the outer ear (otitis externa) and inner ear (otitis internal). They involve a virus, a bacterium, and sometimes a fungus (in outer ear infections), and the cause and route of the infections differ.
Ear infections are eitheracute(sudden, severe, and typically short-lasting) orchronic(persistent or recurrent).
This article describes the most common causes of ear infections, including why they happen.
© Verywell, 2018
Primary Causes of Middle Ear Infections
There are two main types of middle ear infection:acute otitis media, which involves an infectious agent, andotitis media with effusion, which does not.
Acute Otitis Media
This is because themiddle earis connected to the nose and throat via a pair of canals calledeustachian tubes. When you have a URTI, theinflammationin the nose and throat can extend to a eustachian tube, causing it to swell. This creates negative pressure that draws mucus out of the lining of the ear. The accumulated mucus, in turn, becomes a hotbed for infection.
Common viral causes of acute otitis media are:
Common bacterial causes of acute otitis media are:
Many cases of uncomplicated AOM will clear on their own, so a healthcare provider may recommend treating the symptoms and waiting for up to 72 hours before prescribing oralantibiotics(typicallyamoxicillin).
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers likeTylenol (acetaminophen)ornonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) to help ease swelling and pain.
Ear Infection Treatment to Get Rid of Symptoms
Otitis Media With Effusion
Otitis media with effusion (OEM), also known as serous otitis media, is the presence of noninfectious fluid or mucus in the middle ear that can persist for weeks. It is common in younger children for many reasons but can also affectadults.
OEM can result from a URTI, severe allergies, or a rapid change in air pressure (barotrauma) following an air flight or scuba dive. In such cases, inflammation of the eustachian tube can also cause swelling, negative pressure, and the buildup of mucus or fluid—but without the presence of infection.
Less commonly, severeacid refluxcan cause the inflammation of the soft pads at the back of the nose called theadenoids. Because they are situated near the opening of the eustachian tubes, adenoid swelling (calledadenoiditis) can block the eustachian tubes.
OEM causes the buildup of fluid that places pressure on the eardrum (tympanic membrane). As a result, OEM causes a feeling of fullness in the ear rather than pain.
Are Ear Infections Contagious?
Secondary Risk Factors for Middle Ear Infections
Risk Factors in Young Children
Acute otitis media is the most common infection in the world and one that affects 7 out of 10 children before the age of 2. Not only are children more likely to get middle ear infections than adults, but they are also more likely to have recurrent episodes.
There are several reasons for this, including:
Symptoms of Ear Infection in Babies
Other Risk Factors
Many of the risk factors for middle ear infections are non-modifiable, meaning you cannot change them. Others are modifiable, and changing them may help reduce your risk of ear infections.
Modifiable and non-modifiable risks factor for otitis media include:
Health Disparities: What They Mean and Examples
What Causes Outer or Inner Ear Infections?
Otitis Externa
Otitis externais when the outside ear canal, otherwise known as theexternal auditory canal, becomes infected with bacteria and occasionally fungi. It is often referred to as swimmer’s ear because repeated exposure to water can inflame the tissues of the ear canal, increasing their vulnerability to infection.
Otitis externa is less common than otitis media, affecting around one in 10 people over a lifetime. Children, adolescents, and adults are equally at risk.
Most cases of otitis externa are treated with eardrops that either contain anantibioticto fight bacteria, anantifungal medicationsto fight fungus, acorticosteroid(steroid) to reduce inflammation, an acidic solution to restore the ear’snormal pH, or a combination of these.
If the ear canal is blocked due to a severe infection, a small absorbent wick called an otowick may be inserted into the canal to help deliver the ear drops. As the drops are applied, the wick will expand and help open the canal (generally over a period of one to three days).
Otitis Interna
Otitis interna is far less common than otitis media, affecting less than 8% of people over a lifetime.It is most common in adults 30 to 60, although certain childhood infections can cause inner ear inflammation that leads to hearing loss in kids.
Viral causes of otitis interna include:
Bacterial causes of otitis interna include:
Treatment can involveantiviral drugsto treat viral infections orantibioticsto treat bacterial infections.Oral steroidsmay be prescribed to reduce inflammation, while antinausea medications likeCompazine (prochlorperazine)can also help ease symptoms.
Causes of Peripheral Vertigo
Summary
There are also outer ear infections (otitis externa) commonly seen in swimmers that develop as a result of bacteria or fungi that enter the ear canal. Both children and adults are affected.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
17 Sources
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