Although children are more likely than adults to suffer from ear infections, adults are not immune to the possibility of contracting these infections. Adult ear infections, as opposed to childhood ear infections, which are typically not serious and clear up within a short period of time, can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem. Here, our home GP for ear infections in Marbella, explains how to spot an ear infection.
Do I have an ear infection?
If you are experiencing pain in your ear and aren’t sure if it’s an infection and you should seek medical help, knowing the symptoms of the three different types of ear infections can help you spot it. Ear infections typically fall into one of three categories. They are called the inner, middle, and outer ear because they correspond to the three primary parts of the ear.
Inner ear infection
It is possible that a condition that is diagnosed as an infection of the inner ear is actually a case of inflammation rather than an infection itself. Earache is just one of the symptoms; other symptoms include:
- vertigo
- nausea
- dizziness
- sudden hearing loss
- vomiting
In extremely rare cases, issues with the inner ear can be an indicator of a more serious condition, such as meningitis.
Middle ear infection
The region directly behind your eardrum is known as the middle ear.
Otitis media is another name for an infection that affects the middle ear. The condition is brought on by fluid that becomes trapped behind the eardrum, which causes the eardrum to become enlarged. You might also experience a fullness in your ear in addition to the pain in your ear.
Otitis media is sometimes accompanied by a fever. There is also a possibility that you will have trouble hearing until the infection begins to clear up.
If you notice fluid draining from your ear, this could be a sign that the middle ear infection has progressed to a point where it has ruptured the tympanic membrane. This condition can result in a sudden loss of hearing, but it typically resolves itself without medical intervention.
Outer ear infection
The portion of your ear that can be seen when you look outward from the eardrum all the way to the opening of your ear is called the outer ear.
Otitis externa is another name for an infection that affects the outer ear. Rashes are frequently the first symptom of an infection of the outer ear. The ear could develop into:
- getting swollen
- feeling painful
- getting tender
- getting red
When to call our home GP for ear infections in Marbella
If you have nothing else wrong with you besides an earache, you might want to hold off on going to the doctor for a day or two. Ear infections can sometimes get better on their own after a few days have passed. But you should call our home GP for ear infections in Marbella as soon as you can if the pain isn't getting better and you have a fever.
In the event that fluid is draining from your ear or if you are having trouble hearing, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.