Ear pain is a frequent issue, particularly in kids, and it can have a variety of causes, some of which are unrelated to the ear. Here, our general practitioner explains how to know whether it’s an ear ache or an ear infection, and when it is serious enough to call our home GP for an ear infection in Marbella.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are the most common cause of ear pain. It is frequently present in kids, and it is also the most common reason that parents take their children to the paediatrician. In fact, by the time they become three years old, at least one ear infection will have affected at least half of all children.
An ear infection occurs when fluid in the area below the eardrum that is located in the canal of the ear gets infected, most often with bacteria. A blockage forms in the tube that leads into the body, which results in fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. The elevated pressure causes the eardrum to be pushed outward, which results in soreness and heat.
According to our home GP, an ear infection will often follow a sore throat, cold, or other ailment that affects the upper respiratory system. Hearing loss, fever, and an overall sick sensation are some of the symptoms.
The majority of children get ear infections before they are able to communicate verbally. If a parent suspects that their young kid has an ear infection, there are a few things they should check for, including the following:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- crying and fussiness
- difficulty sleeping
- the ear's fluid is dripping
- clumsiness or issues with balance
Ear Ache
Ear aches are not always caused by an ear infection. Ear pain and ache can also be caused by other conditions, especially in adults.
Having pressure in the ear is a common way to describe an earache.
It may start suddenly or gradually and may be quite severe.
Other causes of ear pain, besides inner ear infection, include:
- Injury
- Swimmer’s ear.
- Cellulitis
- Discomfort brought on by ear nerve irritation
- Throat discomfort or a problem with the jaw joints
- Referred pain, such as a toothache, that originates from inflammation or infections elsewhere in the body
- Reactions brought on by allergies to soap, shampoo, earrings, or other allergens
- Having an ear full of water
- Altitude changes
Many people question whether ear wax accumulation causes ear pain. Your ear canal typically doesn't require cleaning. However, ear wax can sometimes accumulate, become impacted, and cause symptoms. Typically, these symptoms include a feeling of fullness or a muffled sound as if you are wearing earplugs.
The ear may feel pressured when there is too much wax blocking it, but typically this doesn't hurt.
When to call our home GP for ear infection in Marbella
Antibiotics are not always necessary for the treatment of ear infections. If symptoms worsen or don't get better after 48 to 72 hours, the doctor may monitor and start antibiotic therapy.
Our home GP for ear infection in Marbella might advise seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist to talk about inserting tiny tubes in your child's ear to help maintain a healthy environment if they have frequent ear infections or difficulty hearing.
Call our home GP for ear infection in Marbella immediately if you experience severe pain, a high fever, or hearing loss.