Just What Are Ear Infections?
In simple terms an ear infection is an inflammation of the inner ear, usually
resulting from an infection of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects
the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and
equalize pressure between outside and inside of the body.
Infection of
the Eustachian tube is often often caused by fluid or mucous which builds up in the ear
as a result of a cold or other source of congestion. Often allergies cause
liquid to build up in the ear. This moisture can also collect from swimming or bathing. Injuries often occur with hard impact with water or careless or intense use of cotton swabs. Discomfort, bacterial growth, or infection generally results.
Coughing and a runny nose are often associated with upper respiratory infections and should be monitored. Ear infections are most commonly found in children, persons with allergies, and persons with medical conditions such as a cleft palate.
Part of the reason for the pressure and pain is that the tissue in the inner ear swells due to
the infection or trapped fluid. Often, the adenoids also swell due to infection. The swelling pushes into the ear.
Other complications include temporary hearing loss. The sound is obstructed due to the swelling, but no damage is actually done to the inner ear when the infection is treated. Even after the pressure is relieved and the infection has subsided, fluid may build up permanently in parts of the ear.
Children are by far the most affected by ear infections. Research shows ear infections rank second to the common cold as the most common health problem among preschoolers. The fact that at least 50% of all children have at least one ear infection before the age of one is startling at the very least. But before the age three, 35% of children will have had repeat ear infections. And after three-years old, an estimated 5 million school days are missed each year due to ear infections.