An ear infection primarily occurs when the auditory tube, a tube that connects the ear to the back of the throat, becomes clogged with debris.
Normally this tube drains unwanted fluid to the back of the throat.
An infection occurs when the tube becomes clogged; bacteria and other debris fail to drain, causing an infection.
Infected ears are most often caused in children, the auditory tube in children is much smaller than adults making it easier for it to become clogged.
Children also have weak immune systems which makes it much harder for them to fight the infection.
Ear infections can also occur in adults but they are not as common.
There are many reasons an individual may develop this type of infection.
Whenever the auditory tube becomes swollen or clogged it results in debris being built up in the middle ear causing an infection.
Children are more prone to develop an ear infection if they attend daycare facilities, an ear infection can't spread from one person to another but a common cold caused by exposure to other children can cause the auditory tubes to become clogged.
Another major reason for an ear infection in children is drinking milk or water while lying on their backs, this causes the auditory tubes to collapse, and it is recommended to sit children up right if they are drinking from a bottle.
Allergies and sinus infections can also cause ear infections by clogging the auditory tube.
Second hand smoke or any other irritation to the nose or throat can also raise the chance of a child getting an infection of ear.
A child that has developed an ear infection cries extensively.
Children might also develop a fever and have a hard time sleeping at night.
If a fever lasts for more than a few days a doctor should be consulted.
During an infection the ear also becomes swollen, causing an extensive amount of pain, an individual also has a hard time hearing in the infected ear.
Other symptoms include fullness in the ear, vomiting and diarrhea.
Drainage of fluids from the ear also indicates that the ear is infected.
Excretion of fluids might also mean that the eardrum has become ruptured.
Often times an ear infection goes away by itself, rest and proper care for the ear is enough to give it time to heal.
Taking over the counter painkillers helps to ease the pain and fever.
If overtime symptoms do not get better it is best to consult a doctor.
Using antibiotics also helps to cure the infection caused by bacteria but will not help cure an infection caused by viruses.
If using antibiotics they should be administered with proper care.
An individual should take the antibiotics everyday and finish the entire prescription.
They should continue taking the antibiotics even if the infection has subsided.
Often times the infection goes away but the bacteria still remains so, it is best to take all the antibiotics so the infection does not return.
If the infection does not go away with antibiotics and symptoms seem to get worse over time then surgery might be required.