People usually think of kids when they hear the word “ear infection,” but did you know that adults can also get them? 20% of people still get ear infections every year. Viruses and bacteria don’t care about your age.
People with a weak immune system or ear inflammation need to be extra careful and notice the signs right away so they can get treatment right away. This piece will talk about six important signs of an ear infection and give you ways to avoid getting them.
1. Itchiness
A mild itching in the inner ear canal is one of the first signs of an ear infection. This itching can get worse over time if you don’t do anything about it.
You might want to see a doctor if you often scratch your ears to make sure you don’t have an infection. Keep in mind that early detection is key to getting care and relief quickly.
2. Redness
As an ear infection gets worse, the inside and outside of the ear may start to turn red. This redness is a clear sign of swelling, so don’t ignore it. If you notice redness in or around your ears that doesn’t seem normal, you should see a doctor right away.
3. Pain or discomfort
When you have an ear infection, especially in the beginning, you may feel pain in your ears. You might feel pain or soreness in your ear all the time, especially when you touch the tragus or earlobe.
You may also feel like your ear is full as the illness gets worse. The pain might even spread to your face, neck, or head in some cases. Don’t ignore these signs of pain; they could be signs of an infection that needs to be treated.
4. Drainage of Fluid
Another sign to keep an eye out for is fluid draining from the ear that is hurt. At first, this waste may be very small and have no smell. But as the problem gets worse, it can become too much. If you notice any strange fluid coming out of your ear, you should see a doctor right away to get a correct evaluation and the right treatment.
In the worst cases, ear infections can make it hard to hear or cause ringing to stay in the affected ear. If you don’t treat an infection, you may also have lymph nodes that look swollen and a fever from an ear canal blockage. It’s very important to see a doctor right away if you have any of these signs.
Prevention Tips for Ear Infections
To keep your ears from getting infections, taking precautions is very important. To lower the risk, here are some ideas:
Do not use cotton swabs: It might be tempting to clean your ears with cotton swabs, but they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, which could be worse than good. Keep cotton swabs away from your ears at all times and let them clean themselves.
Say no to things that don’t belong: It’s important not to put things like hairpins, paper clips, or keys in your ears. These things can make discomfort worse and even hurt the ear canal’s thin skin. Follow the gentle cleaning methods your healthcare provider tells you to use.
Keep your ears safe while you swim. If you get ear infections often, you might want to wear a swimming cap to keep water out of your ears.
Earplugs that are comfortable and made for swimming can also add an extra layer of safety. Talk to your doctor about what to do based on your unique needs.
After being in the water, make sure to dry your ears well so that moisture doesn’t build up and make a good environment for germs and viruses to grow. Turn your head to the side and dry your ears gently with a towel. If the water doesn’t go away, you can use a blow dryer on low speed and heat to dry everything completely. Just make sure to keep it away from your ear so you don’t hurt yourself from the heat.
Remember that these tips can help lower your chance of getting an ear infection, but you should always talk to your doctor for specific advice. They can tell you about extra safety measures to take based on your medical background and your needs.
Have you ever had an illness in your ear? How did you deal with it? Please tell us about your experience in the space below.