Ear Infections

Information about ear infections and how to prevent it

An ear infection is usually caused by either a virus or bacteria in the ear. The adult ear infection and the inner ear infection are other names by which it is called. The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media.

Ear infections can be a result of various factors. Inside the ear there are tiny "bones" that aid in sending sound waves to your brain. Sound waves travel through the Eustachian tube to arrive at these tiny bones. In children, the Eustachian tube is almost level, but it allows liquid to linger in the Eustachian tube after bathing or swimming, and if the liquid is not cleaned out, bacteria could build up and cause an ear infection. In adults, the Eustachian tubes are more slanted, but ear infections can still occur if the liquid is not cleared from the ear.

Even if there is no water in the ear, there may be ear wax buildup, which can also be a cause of ear infections from bacteria. Excessive ear wax should be cleared on a regular basis because viruses can increase the possibility of an ear infection.

There are several ear infection symptoms that a person should be aware of... Feeling pressure in the ear, or even an earache, is indicative of the general build up of fluid or pus in the infected area. The infection may cause dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of fatigue. In more severe cases, headaches, ringing sounds in the ear, hearing loss, and ear drainage may also occur. As the infection worsens, some people experience blurry vision, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are more common in children. Children get ear infections approximately four times more often than adults do.

The best way to avoid an ear infection is by taking steps to prevent it. The Eustachian tubes are joined with the sinuses, and there are a variety of nasal sprays designed to help clear out the bacteria in the Eustachian tubes and sinus passages.

Ear Infection Prevention

Prevention is the best way to avoid an ear infection. Because the Eustachian tubes are connected to the sinuses, many nasal sprays have appeared on the market to help flush out the build up and bacteria in the Eustachian tubes as well as the nasal passages and the sinuses. A large number of these nasal sprays contain Xylitol, which is an ingredient that has been proven to reduce the risk of ear infections. Many chewing gum brands these days also contain Xylitol. Chewing gum with Xylitol in it can reduce the chance of ear infection.