What types of ear infections are there?
Types of ear infections
- otitis externa.
- otitis media – acute or chronic.
- serous otitis media.
- infectious myringitis.
- acute mastoiditis.
- vestibular neuronitis.
- herpes zoster of the ear.
What are the three types of ear infections?
There are three main types of ear infections, all classified according to where they occur in relation to the three main parts of the ear: inner, middle, and outer.
Which type of ear infection is most painful?
Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common type of ear infection. Parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen, and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes pain in the ear—commonly called an earache.
How long do ear infections last?
How Long Do Ear Infections Last? Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days, even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
How long do ear infections last in adults?
Most ear infections that affect the outer or middle ear are mild and go away within one to two weeks. Inner ear disorders can last longer. Chronic ear infections can last 6 weeks or more.
Can a ear infection put you in hospital?
Intense Pain Even a very minor infection will cause slight discomfort and pressure in your ear. If this turns into sharp, stabbing pain, you need to see a doctor. If the blockage that’s causing the infection is bad enough, it puts a lot of strain on your eardrum.
What can cause an ear infection?
What causes an ear infection?
- allergies.
- colds.
- sinus infections.
- excess mucus.
- smoking.
- infected or swollen adenoids (tissue near your tonsils that traps harmful bacteria and viruses)
- changes in air pressure.