An ear infection in adults is less common than in children. The duration of an ear infection is the same as in children. In adults, the skin of the ear is often inflamed, but the middle ear can also become inflamed. The main symptom is ear pain.

Why do children get ear infections more often?

It is a fact that children get ear infections more often than adults. This has to do with the Eustachian tube. In children this is more horizontal than in adults. This makes it easier for fluid to remain in the tube, which can cause inflammation.

Ear infection in adults

When an adult gets an ear infection, it usually affects the outer ear canal. Because the Eustachian tube is more vertical in adults and fluid is drained well, an ear infection will rarely occur here.It is important to know whether it is an inflammation of the middle ear or the outer ear canal. There can be quite a difference here. A middle ear infection can occur at any age, but most often in children up to the age of six. After that, the risk of a middle ear infection decreases.

Difference between middle ear infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal

A middle ear infection often starts with a cold. There is mucus formation in the nose and/or throat. The mucous membrane swells. The nose and throat cavity is directly connected to the Eustachian tube. Due to the swelling of the mucous membrane, this connection disappears. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked. Bacteria or viruses that are in the middle ear can multiply unchecked and cause a middle ear infection. The fluid in the Eustachian tube accumulates and cannot be drained due to the blockage. Pressure is created on the eardrum, which hurts.If there is a lot of pressure on the eardrum, it can rupture . This causes the fluid to drain from the ear. This can be bloody. The pain disappears quickly because the pressure decreases. Just like with many infections, fever can also occur.An inflammation of the outer ear canal is often caused by fungi or bacteria that have been able to develop in a moist environment. The ear infection is always located in front of the eardrum. Eczema can also occur in the ear, causing flaking and itching. Scratching introduces bacteria that can cause inflammation of the skin.

Treatment of ear infection

A middle ear infection is treated differently than an ear infection of the outer ear canal. Therefore, never just start using all kinds of resources.An ear infection will usually heal on its own within three weeks. If the duration is longer, a doctor can be consulted. Even if fluid drains from the ear, whether or not mixed with blood, it is better to consult a doctor.An ear infection does not heal faster with antibiotic treatment. However, relief will occur more quickly. A middle ear infection can be treated with an antibiotic if the causative agent is a bacteria. However, in half of the cases a middle ear infection is a virus and antibiotics will not work. A course of antibiotics must always be completely completed, otherwise the ear infection may return. If an antibiotic is not used, paracetamol can relieve the pain. Drinking a lot helps. Nasal drops can reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa, making the Eustachian tube less blocked.To prevent a new middle ear infection in the future, it is important that the ear is kept dry. After swimming or showering, the ear canal should be dried with a tissue or towel. Wearing cotton wool in the ears often results in lint remaining in the ears, which can become a source of bacteria. Never use cotton swabs in the ear canal. The auricle may only be cleaned with water. The ear has a self-cleaning effect: earwax will come out naturally and will eventually be visible in the auricle.A plug of earwax can be made flexible by dripping lukewarm oil into the ear for a few days: a few drops are sufficient. However, the eardrum may not be damaged. Oil should never get behind the eardrum. Swimming with a middle ear infection is allowed: the infection is located in the middle ear where no water reaches.An inflammation of the outer ear is treated with acidic ear drops. These are instilled directly into the ear. In severe cases, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. It is important not to pick the ear, not to use cotton swabs and to keep the ear dry. This prevents further inflammation or new inflammation. Swimming with an inflammation of the outer ear is not recommended.