Ear Infections Aren't Just for Kids | The Prescription Shop
While it’s true that ear infections are much more common in children than in adults, grown-ups can still experience ear infections. What you might not know is that ear infections in an adult often signifies a more serious health condition. This fall and winter, as you’re attending to your children’s ear infections, The Prescription Shop wants to help educate you about the need to take adult ear infections seriously, too.
Occasionally, ear infections in kids can have serious complications–learn more.
Symptoms of an ear infection in an adult may vary depending upon the type of ear infection. The three main types of ear infections are inner, middle, and outer.
Inner Ear Infections
Sometimes, an inner ear infection refers to inflammation rather than an actual infection. In addition to ear pain, you may feel a lot of dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. An inner ear infection or inflammation can indicate a more serious condition, like meningitis.
Middle Ear Infections
Middle ear infections are caused by fluid trapped behind the eardrum. Along with an earache, you might sense an uncomfortable fullness in your ear and experience fluid drainage from the infected ear. This ear infection may be accompanied by a fever. A middle ear infection often occurs in conjunction with a cold or other respiratory illness.
Outer ear infection
Also called swimmer’s ear, an outer ear infection often begins with a very itchy rash. The ear may then become quite painful, tender, red, and swollen. These are usually caused by bacterial infections that happened as a result of water left in the ear after swimming or bathing.
Who’s at Risk?
Adults who have naturally small eustachian tubes or less “sloped” tubes have a higher risk of developing ear infections.
Smokers, or those who or are frequently around secondhand smoke, also have a greater risk.
Adults with allergies-whether seasonal or year-round–have an increased risk of getting an ear infection.
Simply catching a cold or upper respiratory infection also increases your risk.
Did you know? Ear infections among kids are going down.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It’s true that an ear infection can sometimes resolve itself on its own within a few days. But if your pain isn’t improving and you’re running a fever, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. You should also seek medical attention if fluid is draining from your ear, or you’re having trouble hearing.
Visit our website to learn more about our services to make a healthy fall and winter an easier outcome for your whole family. We are pleased to serve our community as the oldest pharmacy in Gordon County. Stop by today!