Two Types of Ear Infections and Ear Hurts Signs for Treatment
An ear infection, or otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria gets inside your ear causing an infection. This usually happens in connection with another illness, like a common cold or influenza. These infections are very painful, and the most common illnesses inflicting babies and young children.
There are two main types of ear infections:
- acute otitis media ~ parts of the ear are infected and swollen with fluid and mucus painfully trapped inside.
- otitis media with effusion ~ fluid and mucus stays trapped in the ear after the infection is over, making it more difficult for your ear to fight new infections and hear.
It is not always easy to know when a child has an ear infection. If a child is not old enough to talk, they can’t say their ear hurts. These are some signs that a baby or toddler’s ears hurt or there may be a problem:
- cry more often
- trouble hearing
- trouble sleeping
- tug or pull at ears
- can’t keep balance
- draining fluid out of ears
- not responding to quiet sounds
Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat bacteria caused ear infections. If your ear infection is caused by a virus then pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, is a treatment for your symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants do not help treat an ear infection.
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