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Adult Ear Infection, Particularly

Published by Dr. Rose Windale | July 1st 2009 | Views:

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Ear infection manifests in adults but not as frequently compared to children. Once the Eustachian tube which is located near the inner ear becomes infected, then adult ear infection can occur. The Eustachian tube functions to equalize pressure between outside and inside the body as well as to connect the inner ear to the nasal passages and drain fluid from the ears. There is more susceptibility to ear infection when the fluid or mucus stores up in the Eustachian tube. A post nasal drip and the common ailment of having a cold can cause infection and fluid build up in the Eustachian tube thereby triggering ear infection.

Being sick is not the only attributing factor to ear infection. Adult ear infection can be bacterial or viral in nature, too. When the infection is viral, it may entail a more intensive treatment whereas bacterial ear infection can be eliminated with antibiotics. An infection in the ear can also occurs when one fails to dry the ears or clean out the water from the ears after a shower. Merely blowing the nose can also cause an infection as the mucus can incidentally be blown into the Eustachian tube as well. Complications can arise from ear infection regardless of the manner it was contracted and it is an advantage if these complications be detected and combated early to prevent their worsening.

The swelling in the ear due to the infection can obstruct sound therefore ear infection can cause temporary hearing loss. This build up in other parts of the ears can be permanent although the pressure can be relieved.

Such build up may then require different treatment measures for adult ear infection. Fluid build up and viral or bacterial infection have treatment options that can address the ailment. If the ear infection is caused by swollen adenoids, the adenoids can then be removed as they are not necessary just like the tonsils. Removal of the adenoids usually does not entail any complications. Bacterial infection is easily treatable with antibiotics but in the case of viral ear infection, this may require a more complicated treatment such as a minor surgery called myringotomy. In a myringotomy procedure, a small plastic tube is inserted into the eardrum and this tube acts as a vent to relieve the pressure which is caused by the fluid build up or infection.

This temporary tube falls out after a short time and also acts as a drainage for the remaining fluid in the ear. Adult ear infection may not be just a minor ailment and can in fact cause significant inconvenience thus an adult needs to be aware of preventive measures to ward off this particular condition. Chewing gums with xylitol can help to alleviate and loosen the pressure in the ears as well as nasal sprays containing xylitol may be effective in preventing adult ear infection. Nasal sprays flush out bacteria, pollutants and even allergens that can potentially cause ear infection.

Nasal sprays with xylitol repel bacteria before it has a chance of settling down into the nasal tissue. Awareness about ear infection, how it can affect them as well as preventive and treatment measures is essential for an adult to address this discomforting ailment.
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