Rockwell MD | Seattle, WA
An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and can affect both children and adults. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Did you know that ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor? Many ear infections do often clear up on their own, but treatment starts with managing pain and monitoring the ear. Antibiotics are typically used to get rid of the infection. However, with people who are prone to having multiple ear infections, they need to be careful as they are more at risk for hearing problems and other serious complications. Here are the most common causes of ear infections.
– Bacterial Infection
One common type of ear infection is due to bacteria but not typically directly due to them. Bacterial organisms come on the heels of a viral infection or an allergic reaction. Bacteria seek out the warm, moist environment of the middle ear. The invading bacteria can cause damage, turning inflammation into infection and starting fevers.
– Viral Infection
For children, the most common cause of an ear infection is due to an upper respiratory viral infection, like the common cold or the flu. These types of infections can make the Eustachian tube so swollen that air can no longer flow into the middle ear. This causes a lot of discomfort and for young children without speech, there is a lot of crying involved in helping diagnose an ear infection.
– Fungal Infection
A fungal infection typically more common in people living in tropical and subtropical countries not here in the Pacific Northwest. However it is also more common in people who do a lot of water sports like Scuba diving and surfing. This type of ear infection is also more common in the summer than in the winter.
If you are suffering from a mild or severe ear infection, Dr. Rockwell can help diagnose and treat it. To make an appointment to see Dr. Rockwell, give our clinic a call at 1-888-624-3561, or use our online booking portal. We look forward to seeing you!
Dr. Rockwell can help evaluate and treat any hearing or ear problems. If you live in Seattle, Washington then visit the best ear doctor James Rockwell MD in your area. We will offer high-quality treatments to our patients in professional and friendly environments.
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