Overview of Ear Infections
Either a virus or a bacterium could cause ear infections. This infection could affect any part of the ear; based on affected part of the ear, it is divided into three types:
- Otitis externa (infections of the external ear, which is of the auditory canal, up to the eardrum).
- Otitis media (infections of the middle ear, which lies just behind the eardrum).
- Otitis interna (infections of the inner ear).
Otitis media is the most common ear infection and it is prevalent among children and adults. It could either acute (lasting a few days) or chronic (lasting a few weeks to even a few years). If not managed properly, chronic otitis media can have long-term implications, leading to complications, which could even lead to the extent of affecting the brain.
An ear infection usually occurs when a person is affected with sore throats, colds and other respiratory and breathing problems. This results in accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. Children are the worst victims of ear infections since their immune system is not developed enough to fight the infections. If the ear infection is not treated, the accumulated fluid can lead to increased pressure behind the eardrum, leading to its rupture.1
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 29, 2009
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Articles in Ear Infections