Ear Infections
Definition
• Ear infections are an infection of either:
· Inner ear (otitis media)
· External ear or ear canal (otitis externa)
• Ear infection of the inner ear (otitis media) results from bacterial invasion into the middle ear, usually passing through the eustachian tube from the throat.
• Ear infection of the inner ear (otitis media) is more common in children than adults.
• Ear infection of the inner ear (otitis media) is usually associated with a recent respiratory track infection.
• Ear infection of the inner ear (otitis media) symptoms include:
· ear pain or ache
· fever
· pressure or fullness of the ear
· hearing impairment
· discharge from the ear canal if the ear drum has ruptured.
• Ear infection of the inner ear (otitis media) is usually caused by the bacteria:
· Streptococcus pneumoniae
· Haemophilus influenzae
· Streptococcus pyogenes
• Ear infection of the external ear or ear canal (otitis externa) results from bacterial or fungal invasion of the ear canal.
• Ear infection of the external ear or ear canal (otitis externa) is usually associated with recent or excessive water exposure (bathing or swimming).
• Ear infection of the external ear or ear canal (otitis externa) symptoms include:
· ear pain
· redness of the ear
· swelling of the ear
· liquid discharge from the ear canal
· itch sensation in the ear
• Ear infection of the external ear or ear canal (otitis externa) is usually caused by:
· bacteria: Pseudomonas and Proteus
· fungus: Candida and Aspergillus
Posted on September 24, 2008
