An ear infection is typically caused by bacteria or a virus and most often affects young children. This eMedTV article offers an overview of the most common type of ear infection (otitis media), including information about its symptoms and treatment.
Otitis media, otitis externa, and otitis interna are the most common types of ear infections. This eMedTV resource looks at the different types of ear infections and focuses on otitis media and otitis externa (swimmer's ear).
Common causes of otitis media (ear infection) are bacteria or viruses that get inside the ear. This part of the eMedTV Web site explains the risk factors and causes of this condition, as well as what happens inside the ear during an infection.
Common ear infection symptoms may include fever, earache, ear pain, hearing loss, and dizziness. This eMedTV resource explains how ear infections occur and describes the symptoms that may occur in children and adults.
A doctor diagnosing an ear infection may look in the patient's ear to see if there is any inflammation. This eMedTV Web page describes the steps involved in an ear infection diagnosis, which may include tympanometry and other tests.
As this selection from the eMedTV archives explains, antibiotics are often prescribed to treat ear infections. This article also discusses other treatment options, which may include surgery in certain circumstances.
There are many types of antibiotics used to treat ear infections, including amoxicillin. This eMedTV resource provides details about the use of other antibiotics for ear infections, including Bactrim, Septra, Gantrisin, Ceclor, and Pediazole.
As this eMedTV segment explains, hearing loss due to an ear infection is usually temporary; however, if left untreated, an ear infection may lead to permanent hearing impairment. This article takes a closer look at this topic.
Suggestions for preventing ear infections in your child include not smoking around your child. This eMedTV Web page identifies risk factors to be aware of when attempting to prevent your child from developing an ear infection.
As this eMedTV segment explains, children typically get more ear infections than adults. This article explains why children are more prone to develop these infections. Also discussed are causes, symptoms, and treatment of ear infections.
Some schools will require a doctor's note to give your child medication for an ear infection. This eMedTV Web page offers information about how to handle ear infections and school or daycare.
While they are less common than ear infections in children, adult ear infections can occur. This section of the eMedTV library explains the anatomy of the ear and discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of these infections in adults.
Perhaps the most important area of ear infection research involves the search for a vaccine. This eMedTV article describes other research that is being conducted to increase our understanding of how to treat, diagnose, and prevent ear infections.
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