What is the difference between an ear infection and a middle ear infection?

What is the difference between an ear infection and a middle ear infection?

What Are Middle Ear Infections? The most common type of ear infection in children is called otitis media. Whereas swimmer’s ear affects the outer portion of the ear canal, this condition affects the middle ear, just behind the eardrum. Otitis media infections occur when the eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked.

Can middle ear infection spread to inner ear?

In some cases, an infection in the middle ear can spread into the inner ear and affect the delicate structure deep inside the ear called the labyrinth.

How do you know if you have an inner ear infection?

Symptoms of Inner Ear Infection

• Vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving around even when everything is still.
• Having trouble balancing or walking normally.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Problems with your hearing.
• Feeling like the ear is full or blocked.
• Tinnitus or ringing in your ears.

Can doctors see a middle ear infection?

Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage.

Can you shower with a middle ear infection?

Keep your ear as dry as possible for 7 to 10 days. Take baths instead of showers. Try to keep water out of your ears when you wash your hair. Use a cotton ball to protect your ear from water while bathing (but don’t stuff the cotton into the ear canal). Don’t swim or play other water sports.

Which antibiotic is best for ear infections in adults?

Here are some of the antibiotics doctors prescribe to treat an ear infection:

• Amoxil (amoxicillin)
• Augmentin (amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate)
• Cortisporin (neomycin/polymxcin b/hydrocortisone) solution or suspension.
• Cortisporin TC (colistin/neomycin/thonzonium/hydrocortisone) suspension.

How quickly do antibiotics work for ear infection?

Once on antibiotics, your child will get better in 2 or 3 days. Make sure you give your child the antibiotic as directed. The fever should be gone by 2 days (48 hours). The ear pain should be better by 2 days.