You know how we take our ears for granted, and once in a blue moon when they hurt, you realize the power they hold over you. I mean, do we realize that they are literally an open gate to the inside of our bodies, and they are just there? Pretty crazy if you ask me. And we pierce them.
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Breakdown aside, ear infections, or any other infections for that matter, are not fun, to say the least. While it is fairly more common in children, it is not unheard of (pun intended) to occur in adults too.
More often than not there is no cause for concern as it clears up on its own, however, sometimes the infection can become quite serious if left untreated. According to Mayo Clinic, it ‘can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.’
The most common ear infection is otitis media, which is another name for a middle-ear infection as John Hopkins Medicine explains:
Otitis media is another name for a middle-ear infection. It means an infection behind your eardrum. This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear. These conditions include allergies, a cold, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
What causes an ear infection?
CDCstates that an ear infection is caused by either bacteria or viruses, including Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, and viruses that cause colds. Common symptoms of ear infection include:
- Ear pain (you guessed it)
- Fever
- Fussiness or irritability
- Rubbing or tugging at an ear
- Difficulty sleeping
However, apart from the commonly listed symptoms that we have heard of, there are other symptoms which are not commonly associated with ear infections, at least not immediately. Such symptoms include:
1. Dizziness and Nausea
It is quite inconvenient that our auditory system is responsible for helping us hear but also balance ourselves (so random, right?). According to NHS, this could be caused by Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, which are types of inner ear infections that affect your balance.
2. Appetite Changes
This again could be linked to nausea, ear pain, or simply being sick. Another reason that pizza might be stomach-turning is that it simply hurts to chew due to an ear infection since the ears are connected to the throat and nose.
3. Snoring and Bad Breath
I bet you did not see this one coming. However, as earlier stated, the throat, nose, and ears are connected, and germs can easily pass from the nose to the ears. This could cause bad breath and additionally, snoring might occur due to swollen glands that can lead to breathing through the mouth as stated by the National Institutes of Health.
You might want to let an ear infection clear up on its own, but it is always better you hear it (sorry, can’t help it) from a doctor first.
Read more:
⋙ Thyroid disease: This clue on your face could be an early sign of the disease
⋙ 3 body parts that are most prone to infection
⋙ Ears and nose: Here are 2 body parts that grow larger as we age, according to a study
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained, are strictly for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.
