Ear Infection Symptoms

A collection of ear infection symptoms can be involved when someone has otitis media. What is this conditionall Otitis media comes from Latin and refers to an infection of the inner ear. Let's take a look at some of the symptoms that may present in this condition.

Pressure and pain

Usually, the middle of the ear is sterile. However, when it is infected by bacteria, pus can collect inside of it. Pressure can build up at this point, and the situation may become significantly painful.

Perforated eardrum

In particularly severe cases, or in those that go without treatment, the eardrum might break. This may seem as though it would be a serious issue, but actually it can be welcome to the individual as it may lead to relief from the significant levels of pressure and pain. Keep in mind that in the majority of the cases that this occurs, the eardrum will still heal and return to its normal state after some time.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Pus in the ear canal

Should the eardrum perforate, then pus that was located in the middle ear may flow through the ear canal. In some cases it can even be noticed.

What causes an ear infection?

Now that we've discussed some of the possible ear infection symptoms, let's take a moment to look at what leads to this illness. In children, it is most frequently brought on by infection with S. pneumoniae. This type would be a bacterial form of otitis media. In adults, the reason most often seen is H. influenzae, which is also a bacteria. Other infectious agents, including some viruses, can also cause an ear infection. Incidence is also raised in people who have a dysfunctional Eustachian tube. It seems that genetics can also be involved as a risk factor.