Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults
It’s probably been years or even decades since you’ve experienced the agony of an ear infection. This is because babies and children are the typical victims. Their tiny Eustachian tubes (the canals that run from the middle ear to the throat) can easily block, resulting in a fluid backup. As this fluid sits, bacteria festers behind the eardrum. This is called a middle ear infection or otitis media.
But even though ear infections are common in children, adults aren’t exactly immune to them. Tobacco smoke, allergies, viruses, sinus infections, or overgrown adenoids can all cause your Eustachian tubes to swell and malfunction. The symptoms for an adult middle ear infection could be different from a child, so watch out for the following signs:
Ear Pain
Ear pain is the most common and indicative symptom of an ear infection. It can be sharp and sudden or dull and lingering. You may also have pressure and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Even though this symptom is typical, it is not universal. Keep in mind that some adults with ear infections never feel pain. They could, however, encounter one of the other symptoms mentioned below.
Ear Drainage
You could see slight drainage from your ear in the same way you get a runny nose from a cold. If yellow or green fluid suddenly drains from your ear, it’s possible that the eardrum has ruptured. This is serious and you will need to see an ear doctor as soon as possible if this happens.
Hearing Loss
It probably won’t be forever, but hearing loss is a possible symptom of middle ear infections. The blockage in your ear canal will likely cause some impaired hearing, which could come and go. Chronic or recurrent ear infections can cause lasting damage, resulting in more severe or even permanent hearing loss. You’ll need to visit an ENT specialist to find the right treatment for your ear condition.
Flu-like Symptoms
If a virus caused your ear infection, you may experience fever, nasal congestion, coughing, malaise, and appetite loss, or even gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. All of these symptoms could mask the fact that you have an ear infection so you may not even realize it’s there at all.
Breathe Clear Institute Can Treat Adult Ear Infections
Even though plenty of ear infections heal on their own, they can be painful and scary. Whether you’re experiencing an acute case or a chronic ear infection, our ENT doctors and medical professionals are determined to get you better. Our services range from minor antibiotic treatments and myringotomies to more invasive eardrum and eustachian tube surgeries.
At Breathe Clear Institute, we understand that not all patients (or ear infections) are the same. We take a holistic approach to medicine instead of one-size-fits-all. Expect to be treated as an individual. We will perform a thorough examination and run all necessary tests before devising the best treatment for your case. Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute and get some much-needed relief from your ear infection.