ear infection

Ear infection: description

An ear infection (otitis) is the inflammation of a structure of the ear. It is divided according to the anatomy into an external, middle and inner ear infection. To understand this better, first an overview of the structure of the ear:

The ear

The ear is both a hearing and balance organ. It consists of three parts. For the outer ear, middle and inner ear are responsible for the hearing, for the sense of balance exclusively the inner ear.

The outer ear is composed of the outer ear and the external auditory canal and borders with the eardrum to the middle ear. The glands, which are located in the ear canal, serve to produce earwax. This kills bacteria and fungi and prevents insects from penetrating the ear. The external auditory canal is bent forward and downwards. In order to have an unobstructed view of the eardrum during the ear reflexology (otoscopy), the doctor must therefore pull the ear upwards.

The eardrum forms the border between outer ear and middle ear. It consists of a membrane that is vibrated by incoming sound waves. This vibration transmits it further into the middle ear, because it is connected to the ossicles hammer, anvil and stirrup. These lie in the so-called tympanic cavity, a space in the skull bone, which is filled with air. The ossicles increase the effect of the vibrations of the eardrum. An air channel between the middle ear and the nasopharynx (Eustachian tube, Eustachian tube) ensures that the middle ear is adequately ventilated and any liquid that may form is drained away.

The inner ear is also called a labyrinth. Therein lie the bony snail for hearing and the semicircular canals of the organ of balance.

Classification of ear infection

Depending on which section of the ear is inflamed, one differentiates:

• Otolaryngitis (external otitis): inflammation of the outer ear.
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Inner ear infection (otitis interna): It is usually referred to as labyrinthitis.

Ear canal inflammation (otitis externa)

You can read more about this in the article Auditory Canal Inflammation.

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Read more in the article Otitis media.

Otitis: Symptoms

Since the ear is well innervated and the skin is very thin over cartilage and bones, an ear infection is always very painful. The affected ear is overheated. In addition, hearing loss and dizziness can occur. Other symptoms such as fever or fatigue are possible. In addition, if the ear infection occurs as part of a cold sore, the sinuses may cause discomfort, swollen lymph nodes or other respiratory problems (such as cough).

Ear infection: examinations and diagnosis

When patients with earache go to a doctor, he first asks detailed questions about the history of the disease (anamnesis). For example, he asks:

• When did the complaints occur?
• Did you have similar complaints in the past?
• Do you have fever?
• Do you feel knocked off?
• Is you dizzy?
• Do you hear worse in one ear?
• Are you suffering from another underlying condition like diabetes or are you taking medication?

The doctor then examines your ear by first looking at it closely. He pays particular attention to redness, swelling and vaginal discharge. He then palpates his ear to see if touch is painful.

Furthermore, the doctor performs an ear reflexology (otoscopy). He pulls the ear on the auricle back up to have a clear view of the eardrum. He looks at the external auditory canal and the eardrum with a magnifying glass. Again, he is looking for redness, swelling, vaginal discharge or foreign bodies.

In addition, hearing tests and tests of the sense of balance can be carried out to clarify an ear infection.

Ear infection: treatment

Read more about the treatment of inflammation in the outer or middle ear in the contributions ear canal inflammation and otitis media.

An ear infection is treated differently depending on the type and cause.

At a ear infection There are measures such as the administration of antibiotics and glucocorticoids (“cortisone”) as well as surgical interventions.