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What are the Symptoms of Otitis?
Otitis is a medical condition in which the internal or external ear becomes inflamed or infected. For this reason, it is also commonly referred to simply as an ear infection. An infection can last for a short period of time, in which case it is referred to as acute otitis. Alternatively, it can reoccur repeatedly or last for a long period of time; in this case, it is called chronic otitis.
There are several symptoms associated with otitis, with the most common and noticeable symptom being an earache. An earache is a pain in the ear that may be dull, sharp, or burning. An infection may also cause itching in the ear or a general feeling of discomfort.
In addition to pain, otitis can cause temporary hearing loss. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss as well. A person suffering from otitis may also experience buzzing or noise in the ear and notice drainage from the ear. It can also lead to chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and malaise. In some cases, a person with an ear infection may also become irritable.
In order to test for otitis, a medical professional must use a special instrument called an otoscope to look inside the ear. In severe cases, however, it may be possible to diagnose an infection without use of the instrument. While inspecting the ear, the medical professional looks for redness in the external ear as well as redness and swelling in the eardrum.
The treatment selected for otitis depends on the cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are typically prescribed. If a virus caused it, on the other hand, the medical professional will treat the symptoms as the infection runs its course. The majority of cases are caused by bacterial infections and clear up within a few days after starting treatment.
Failure to treat otitis can lead to permanent hearing loss if the infection causes the eardrum to rupture. In addition, the fluids in the ear often lead to hearing loss until the infection is cleared up. Therefore, it is important for patients to seek prompt medical attention when they suspect an ear infection.
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![In order to test for otitis a doctor will look in a patients ear using an otoscope.]()
By: JPC-PRODIn order to test for otitis a doctor will look in a patients ear using an otoscope. -
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By: evgenyatamanenkoFever and malaise can by symptoms of otitis.
Discussion Comments
You know, it is proven that breastfeeding a baby reduces occurrences of ear infections. So, I thought that after my 7-month old was weaned and went to the bottle we were set. After all, she hadn’t had any kind of sickness at all.
Then, one day, when she was about 10 months we went on a camping trip. She was fine – playing, eating, not fussy - until she suddenly just fell right off of my lap. Literally, she lost her balance and fell to the ground. I felt horrible, but it just happened so fast. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt.
We took her to the emergency room - just in case. Come to find out, the little tyke was presenting no symptoms of ear infection but actually had a double dose of it!
She had fallen off my lap apparently because she was dizzy! I had no idea that could be an indication of an ear infection, or that you could have an inner ear infection and not have pain!
@anon9757 – There are many at-home remedies ranging from the strange to the downright comical for media otitis. However, when a child is hurting it takes a whole lot of the humor out of the situation.
The best thing you can do for your child, I would say personally, is to take her to a doctor and ask about having tubes put in her ears.
I used to think tubes were these huge instruments that would be hanging out of a person’s ears – I had a really strange image worked up for it, too.
But the truth is that tubes can’t be seen by others and are proven to help in many cases of chronic ear infections.
Good luck with your little one!
how can i cure my 6 years chronic otitis media?
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