Pathology of Ear Infections

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, three out of four children have at least one ear infection by the age of 3. The treatment of ear infections is fairly simple, and many clear up on their own in a few days.

Causes

• The eustachian tubes are passages between the middle ear and the throat. When fluid (most likely present from a cold) gets trapped in the middle ear, infection and ear pain may result. Because children have narrower and shorter eustachian tubes, they are more likely to have fluid build up in that area.

Symptoms

• Child or adults who have an ear infection will likely suffer from ear pain, a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, temporary hearing loss or headaches.

Diagnosis

• A doctor can diagnose an ear infection by viewing whether the patient's middle ear is inflamed with an otoscope. The doctor may also use a device to blow air on the middle ear because an infection will cause the eardrum to move differently in response to moving air.

Treatment

• Many doctors will recommend waiting to see if the infection clears up on its own. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen or prescription ear drops may help make the patient more comfortable. In more severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed.

Potential Complications

• Persistent ear infections may cause long-term hearing loss or even a ruptured eardrum. In rare cases, an untreated ear infection can cause a mastoiditis, a type of sinus infection.