Ear Infections

You’ve probably experienced otitis before, but just didn’t know what it was. Affecting the inner or outer parts of the ear, otitis is the general term used to refer to an infection or inflammation of the ear. You can experience symptoms for a short time or battle a chronic condition that repeatedly occurs over a long period of time.

Causes and Symptoms

Bacteria and viruses are behind the development of a middle ear infection. When you have a cold, allergy attack, sinus flare-up, or throat infection, the eustachian tubes (the part of the body that connects the middle ears to the throat) become blocked. This causes fluid to stop draining from the middle ear. An ear infection arises because bacteria or viruses thrive in the fluid.

Bacterial infections linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common cause of an ear infection. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu are the most frequent types of viruses associated with an ear infection.

• Chills • Diarrhea • Earache • Fever • Drainage from the ear • Hearing loss • Itchiness in the ear or ear canal • Irritability • Nausea and vomiting