About Women's Health Issues

Last month I was admitted to the hospital for three days. Though it was just a common ear infection, the pain was way too excruciating. The pain radiated from my ears and spread all over my head making it all the more a nightmarish experience. I was diagnosed with a middle ear infection or Ottis Media as it is called in medical terms. That’s when I learnt all about middle ear infection.

So, what is exactly a middle ear infection? The middle ear is a small space behind the ear drum. When you contract an infection in this region, you can end up with pus cells or fluid. This eventually causes a throbbing pain with your ears swelling beyond recognition. Now, let us see all about middle ear infection.

Causes of Middle Ear Infection

Now, let us see what exactly causes a middle ear infection?  Middle ear infections can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Statistics show that 85% of cases of middle ear infections are caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), nontypable Hemophilus influenzae and Moraxella. Viruses account for the remaining 15%.

If you’ve ever wondered as to how do these bacteria get into your ears, here are a few ways that it can happen:

1. It is important to you clean your hands with soap when you exit the wash room. In the event that you don’t clean you hands and end up touching your ears, there starts the problem. Especially, the bacteria Streptococcus is believed to thrive well in wash rooms and places of less hygiene.
2. Are you an avid music listener? If so, you will be shocked to hear this. Having your headsets on for an hour or so will result in the bacteria in your ears growing in numbers by more than 700 times.
3. If you are in the habit of using cotton ear buds or swabs to clean your ears, be a little cautious the next time around. You might unknowingly introduce any bacteria on the surface of these ear buds directly into your middle ears. It is always advisable to store these ear swabs in a hygienic place free from dirt and infection.

Precautionary Steps to Avoid Infection

Now, that we know as to the causes of middle ear infection let us exercise a little additional caution to protect our ears. Here is a list of precautions that you can take to avoid the middle ear infection:

1. Always wash your hands from time to time. Doctors strongly believe that with clean hands, you can prevent a whole lot of infections, including those pertaining to the ears.
2. The use of cotton swabs is strictly not recommended by doctors. You can end up compromising on the safety of your ears and eventually your hearing ability.
3. Even in the event of the slightest of pain experienced in your ears, visit your doctor immediately. Acute and advanced middle ear infections can cause perforations in your ear drum and may cause permanent hearing loss.
4. You could also use ear health supplements to boost the immune system of the ear and avoid infections. There are natural supplements with herbal ingredients available online which helps in promoting the overall ear health.

Now that you know all about middle ear infections, take all precautions to avoid the infection and enjoy the gift of hearing.