Ear infections are not as frequent in adults as they are in infants, but they can be more severe. Symptoms of ear infections in adults should be carefully observed and treated by the specialist to prevent complications. That is why it is important that you know how learn the symptoms of ear infection and when to call our home GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol.
Is it Ear Infection?
The ear is a complex area of the body, composed of several chambers. Infections of the ear may hit in each of these chambers and trigger different symptoms.
We divide the ear in three main parts: the inner, middle, and outer ear.
Infections are more prevalent in the middle ear and the outer ear, although inner ear infections are less severe and are often a symptom of an underlying disease and should be checked by our GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol.
Symptoms of ear infection
Symptoms of ear infections in adults vary depending on location and can include:
- inflammation and pain
- tenderness to the touch
- hearing changes
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- fever
- headache
- swelling of the ear
Discharge from the ear is a sign of a more serious problem and should be diagnosed promptly by our GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol.
Middle ear infections
Middle ear infections are usually triggered when bacteria or viruses from the mouth, eyes, and nasal passages become trapped behind the eardrum resulting in pain and a feeling of plugged ears.
Some patients can have difficulty hearing, as the swollen ear is not as open to sound as it needs to be. There is also a build-up of liquid or pus behind the ear, which may render listening more challenging, as though the ear is underwater.
Fluid may drain from the ear in the case of the eardrum tearing or bursting due to the build of pressure from the infection,
Fever and overall tiredness may also be correlated with middle ear infection.
Outer ear infections
The outer ear goes from the main ear canal to the outside edge of the ear itself. Outer ear infections will begin with an itchy rash on the outside of the ear due to the warm, dark ear canal, which is the perfect place for germs to spread to.
Outer ear infections can often arise from inflammation or damage to the ear canal from foreign objects, such as cotton wool or fingernails.
Specific signs involve a sore, swollen and sensitive to the touch ear or ear canal as well as red and warm skin that will last until the infection goes away.
When to call our home GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol
If ear pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should call our home GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol right away:
- A knot or swelling developed under or behind the ear
- Trouble moving areas of your face
- Behavioural changes — such as a child becoming extremely fussy or lethargic
- Sudden high fever
- Seizure
Ear infections are most common in babies under 6 months of age, who have intense pain or elevated fever, infection of both ears, or fracture of the ear drum. If your young child is having symptoms of ear discomfort (like grabbing at his or her ear), call our home GP for ear infection in Costa del Sol immediately.