Did you know that around 50% of all children will get at least 1 ear infection before they reach their 2nd birthday? Not only children, but adults are also more prone to this infection. Ear infection can affect different parts of the ear and cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. It is caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. While most ear infections are treatable, timely noticing symptoms and seeking treatment is important to prevent complications like hearing loss. So, learn about the signs and symptoms of ear infections in children and adults in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Signs and symptoms of ear infections in children

Ear infections are more common in children when they are toddlers or infants, which makes it difficult for them to tell their symptoms. So, you need to recognize the signs and symptoms to ensure your child gets timely treatment. It includes:

• Experiencing sharp or dull, throbbing ache in the ear, which increases when you lie down for sleep.
• Rubbing or pulling the ears.
• Your child may not be able to hear certain sounds or even nothing at all. Babies and toddlers may not be able to respond when you speak to them. Some children experience long-term hearing loss related to ear infections which may delay speech and language development.
• Having a fever ranging from 100.5 to 104 degrees.
• Sometimes pus or fluid can come out of the child’s ear, which is a sign of infection that may indicate a rupture of the eardrum.
• Your child starts breathing from the mouth and increases snoring. This can be a sign of enlarged adenoids (these are small pads of tissue above your throat, behind your nose, and near eustachian tubes.) Adenoids get infected with the same viruses or bacteria that cause ear infections.
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat due to the pressure the child feels in the middle ear which causes more pain when a child swallows.
• Your child may experience pain or pressure in their head or ear(s).
• Being irritable or restlessness
• Crying more than usual
• Difficulty with balance

Usually, ear infections can last less than 3 days but sometimes persist for up to a week. Generally, your child may not be able to hear properly until the infection resolves. However, if the ear infection causes serious discomfort, sleep loss, fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or severe ear pain, then you seek medical help.

Signs and symptoms of ear infection in adults

Ear infections are more common in children than adults, but adults are more prone to these infections. In children, ear infections are not severe and often go away; in adults, it can be a sign of more serious health problems. So, you must pay attention to your signs and symptoms and talk with your doctor.

Ear infection symptoms are divided into the 3 main parts of the ear that get infected – inner, middle, and outer. It includes:

1. Inner ear infection:

Inner ear infections can cause inflammation, not usually a real infection. In addition to ear pain, it may cause:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vertigo
• Sudden hearing loss

Rarely, inner ear trouble may indicate a severe condition like meningitis.

2. Middle ear infection:

This type of ear infection affects the area behind your eardrum and is also known as otitis media. It happens when fluid trapped behind the eardrum causes the eardrum to bulge. Along with an earache, you may feel fullness in your ear. It also causes a fever that makes you have trouble hearing until the infection starts to clear.

If you experience fluid drain from your ear, it could be a sign of this infection which may progress to a tympanic membrane rupture. This can cause sudden hearing loss which usually heals on its own.

3. Outer ear infection:

This type of ear infection affects the outer part of your eardrum to the ear opening and is also known as otitis externa. It starts as an itchy rash and later causes symptoms like:

• Ear pain
• Tender, redness, and swollen outer ear.

When to see a doctor?

You should call your doctor, if you or your child experience any of these symptoms, including:

• Your child has a stiff neck.
• Your child acts sluggish, looks extremely sick, and doesn’t stop crying despite all efforts.
• Your child is not able to walk properly.
• The fever rises above 100. 4 degrees, this indicates the possibility of more serious infections, especially in infants and young children.
• You and your child frequently develop ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss or more serious infections.
• You and your child’s ear pain is
• You see bloody or pus-filled flood draining from the ear.
• You suspect your young child may have an ear infection.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ear infections in children and adults is particularly important to promote treatment on time to cure the infection because it can be severe in some cases and lead to hearing loss. So, noticing the signs and seeking medical help is the best way to prevent severe complications.

Need help with ear infections, visit our otolaryngologist (ear specialist) in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment today!!! Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call 1-347-384-5690.