Can ear infections have lasting effects?
Can ear infections have lasting effects?
Although anyone can develop an ear infection, children, and particularly those under seven years of age, are particularly susceptible. Left untreated, the long term consequences can be surprising, and severe.
What does it mean to have a chronic ear infection?
Chronic ear infection is an ear infection that does not heal. A recurring ear infection can act like a chronic ear infection. This is also known as recurring acute otitis media. The space behind the eardrum (the middle ear) is affected by this infection. The eustachian tube, a tube that drains fluid from…
What are the symptoms of an inner ear infection?
Inner ear infection. A condition diagnosed as an inner ear infection may actually be a case of inflammation, and not an actual infection. In addition to ear pain, symptoms include: Inner ear trouble may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as meningitis.
What causes an ear infection in the middle ear?
Viruses and bacteria can cause chronic ear infections. Viruses cause most ear infections, although sometimes bacteria are the culprit. There are three main types of ear infections that affect the middle ear: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common type of ear infection. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing a painful earache.
What happens if you have an ear infection in an infant?
Overview. Ear infection in infants and severe cases in general often require antibiotic medications. Long-term problems related to ear infections — persistent fluids in the middle ear, persistent infections or frequent infections — can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.
What are the side effects of an ear infection?
Frequent or persistent infections and persistent fluid buildup can result in some serious complications: 1 Impaired hearing. Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection,… 2 Speech or developmental delays… 3 Spread of infection. Untreated infections or infections that don’t respond well to treatment can…
Can a recurring ear infection be a chronic infection?
A recurring ear infection can act like a chronic ear infection. This is also known as recurring acute otitis media. The space behind the eardrum (the middle ear) is affected by this infection.
What does it mean to have an inner ear infection?
Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis) An inner ear infection often is inflammation or irritation of the parts of the ear responsible for balance and hearing called labyrinthitis. Less commonly, an inner ear infection is a true infection caused by a virus or bacteria.
Can a middle ear infection cause nausea and dizziness?
Middle and inner ear infections may cause fever, and balance problems. Inner ear infections also may cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ringing in the ear, and labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear). Most outer and middle ear infections do not need antibiotics.