What is the difference between viral and bacterial ear infections

What is an ear infection? Close A healthy ear and an infected ear, including outer, middle, and inner ear, showing inflammation and fluid in the ear. Treatment A doctor will determine what type of illness your child has by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. This gives the immune system time to fight off the infection. Top of Page. Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children.

Pain relievers: Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen. Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to.

Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Prevention You can help prevent ear infections by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Receive recommended vaccines, such as flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine. If ear infections continue with recurring episodes over several months or a year, the doctor may suggest a myringotomy.

In this procedure, a surgeon makes a small cut in the eardrum, enabling the release of built-up fluid. A very small myringotomy tube is then inserted to help air out the middle ear and prevent further fluid buildup. These tubes are left in place for 6 to 12 months and will often naturally fall out instead of needing manual removal.

Ear infections are extremely common, especially among children. This is due to an immature immune system and differences in the anatomy of the ear. There is no guaranteed way to prevent infection, but there are a number of recommendations that will reduce the risk:. They can be painful and debilitating, but they present very few long-term problems if properly managed.

This article explores types of inner ear infections, including their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and home remedies. Many commercially available ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide. Using too much can have a negative effect. Learn more here. What are the causes of yellow discharge from the ear? Read on to find potential causes, symptoms, and treatments for yellow discharge from the ear. Otoplasty refers to the surgical reshaping of the outer ear, either to correct an irregularity or improve appearance.

Learn more about the procedure…. Ear pressure is the sensation of fullness or stuffiness within the ear. It occurs when the eustachian tube becomes blocked or stops functioning….

How to treat ear infections. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. What is an ear infection? Symptoms Types Causes Tests and diagnosis Treatments Prevention Viral or bacterial infections can occur in the middle of the ear. Share on Pinterest Ear infections are very common and affect 5 out of 6 children in their first 3 years.

Tests and diagnosis. Share on Pinterest There are a number of ways to diagnose ear infections. On this page. Symptoms of ear infections The function of the Eustachian tube Causes of ear infections Types of ear infections Where to get help.

The ear is made up of three parts. The outer ear includes the part you can see and the canal that leads to the eardrum. The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and contains tiny bones that amplify sound. The inner ear is where sounds are translated to electrical impulses and sent to the brain. Any of these three parts can become infected by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Children are particularly prone to middle ear infections otitis media.

It is estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear infection at least once. Symptoms of ear infections The symptoms of an ear infection depend on the type, but may include: earache mild deafness or the sensation that sound is muffled ear discharge fever headache loss of appetite itchiness of the outer ear blisters on the outer ear or along the ear canal noises in the ear — such as buzzing or humming vertigo loss of balance.

The function of the Eustachian tube The ear is connected to the back of the nose via the Eustachian tube. This tube equalises air pressure inside the ear, and funnels secretions from the middle ear into the throat. The walls of the Eustachian tube lie flat against each other to prevent the migration of bacteria or other germs into the ear from the nose and throat.

Whenever we swallow, a small muscle flexes and opens the tube, allowing air pressure equalisation and the drainage of secretions. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, secretions and associated bacteria build up inside the middle ear. This can cause ear infections, mild deafness and an increased likelihood of a ruptured eardrum. Causes of ear infections Some of the many causes of ear infection and contributing risk factors include: upper respiratory tract infections sudden changes in air pressure — such as during airline travel smaller than average Eustachian tubes, or a blocked Eustachian tube cleft palate young age — babies and children are more prone to ear infections swimming in polluted water failing to dry the outer ear properly after swimming or bathing overzealous cleaning of the ears, which can scratch the delicate tissues.

Types of ear infections Ear infections are diagnosed by physical examination and laboratory analysis of pus or discharge. In some cases, CT scans may also be taken. Types of ear infection include: otitis externa otitis media — acute or chronic serous otitis media infectious myringitis acute mastoiditis vestibular neuronitis herpes zoster of the ear. Otitis externa Otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal between the eardrum and the outer ear.

Each antibiotic attacks different types of bacteria and will be useful for treating particular infections. Read more on myDr website. Read more on Better Health Channel website. Fever often occurs with a viral infection or with a bacterial infection. Normal body temperature is about 37 degrees C when measured by mouth. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals or allergies.

Read more on SA Health website. Regardless of whether tonsillitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, the symptoms may include sore throat, pain with swallowing, and fever etc. Neutropenia is a blood condition characterised by low concentration of neutrophils.

These are a type of white blood cell which fight infection. Read more on HealthEngine website. Read more on WA Health website. Read more on myDr — Consumer Medicine Information website.

With the global COVID pandemic having a severe impact on all aspects of society and the health of people worldwide, it is now more important than ever to update your knowledge on the spread and containment of infectious diseases, and what you can do to help break the chain of infection. Read more on Ausmed Education website. Strep throat, otherwise known as group A strep, is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils.