Ear infections are much more likely to occur in children than they are in adults. However, many adults are still likely to suffer from these infections. When a child has an ear infection, they are much more likely to get better quickly. However, when an adult frequently suffers from ear infections it could be a sign of a more serious condition. In this article, we talk about ear infections and when to call our home doctor service for ear infection in Costa del Sol.
What is an ear infection?
When a viral infection or bacterial affect your middle ear (which is located behind your ear drum), it can cause an ear infection. These infections can be quite painful due to the build-up of fluid and inflammation.
As most infections of the ear tend to clear up by themselves, treatment may consist of managing the pain. It may also involve monitoring the infection. Antibiotics are often used to help get rid of the infection, especially if you are experiencing a lot of them. Those who suffer from a lot of ear infections should be aware that they can cause hearing difficulties and other complications. That is why it is important to call our home doctor service for ear infection in Costa del Sol if you think you may have an ear infection.
How to spot an ear infection
When an ear infection begins it can often appear very quickly. A child and an adult who have an ear infection are likely to have different symptoms. These include:
Ear infections in children:
- Crying a lot more than usual
- Difficulty hearing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever of 38 C or higher
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of balance
- Pain in the ear which worsens when they lay down
- Pulling at the ear
Ear infections in Adults:
- Difficulty hearing
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Pain in the ear
When to call our home doctor service for ear infection in Costa del Sol
A middle ear infection (Also known as an “otitis media”) can be quite painful. It can also affect hearing and make the patient feel as if their ear is full. This is usually due to a build-up of fluid in the inner ear and the Eustachian tube.
If you experience the following symptoms in addition to your ear pain you should call our home doctor service for ear infection in Costa del Sol immediately:
- A high and sudden fever
- A swelling or a knot that has formed behind or under your ear
- Difficulty moving some parts of your face as you would normally
- Irritability or lethargy in a child
- Seizures
Children endue the age of 6 months who have a high fever or a lot of pain should be seen by our padiatrician. If your child is grabbing their ear or showing other signs of pain you should call our pediatrician.