Ear infections are a common condition, especially among children. Typically, these infections are acute and disappear within two to three days. But when the condition lasts long or recurs frequently, an ear infection can be referred to as chronic and needs immediate medical attention.
Chronic ear infections can be frustrating and painful for those who experience them. Also, this condition can lead to hearing loss, balance impairments, or in severe cases, facial paralysis. Understanding the causes and learning more about this medical condition can help prevent its occurrence and complications.
How a Recurring Ear Infection Develops
The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal that drains fluid from the middle ear. Fluid can build up when this tube becomes blocked, leading to an ear infection. A chronic ear infection develops when an infection persists or repeatedly occurs behind the eardrum.
Young children and infants have shorter, narrower, and more horizontal eustachian tubes, so they clog more easily. Because of this, kids are more prone to chronic ear infections than adults.
Factors That Can Cause a Chronic Ear Infection
Several factors can cause the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked, which may result in a chronic ear infection. Some of them are:
- Bacterial infections from the common cold or flu
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Tobacco Smoke
- Ear injuries
- Excess mucus or saliva produced during teething
Children who bottle-feed while lying down or use pacifiers are also at risk of ear infections that can develop into chronic ones. When babies are bottle-feeding in bed, milk may pool on their throats and enter the Eustachian tube, creating a bacterial breeding ground. Meanwhile, sucking pacifiers can impair Eustachian tube function, increasing the likelihood of ear infections.
Chronic Ear Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic ear infections are typically milder than acute ones. So, sometimes the problem may go unnoticed and untreated for a long time. Common symptoms include:
- Ear pain
- Feeling of pressure in the ear
- Pus-like fluid draining from the affected ear
- Low grade fever
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty sleeping
Get Help from ENT Specialists
You should visit a physician if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of chronic ear infection. Promptly addressing this medical condition is crucial for the best outcome, since it can interrupt a person's daily life and cause complications—like hearing loss and speech problems.
If you live in Monroe or Charlotte, NC, you can contact the experts at Queen City ENT for quality help. Our team of skilled ear specialists has the experience and knowledge to provide effective treatment and relief. Call us today to schedule an appointment and start on the road to recovery.