The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Ear Infections



Ear infections are a common ailment among children and adults alike. There are two main types of ear infections, acute and chronic. While both can cause pain, discomfort, and hearing loss, the differences between them can help determine the best course of treatment.

Acute ear infections are caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear. These infections usually come on quickly and can cause severe pain that is often accompanied by fever, dizziness, fluid drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Acute ear infections usually go away on their own within one to two weeks with proper rest and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. If symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment with antibiotics if necessary.

Chronic ear infections occur when an acute infection does not resolve completely or recurs multiple times within a short period of time (usually 6 months). It is important to note that chronic ear infections may also be caused by allergies or structural problems in the ears such as Eustachian tube dysfunction or even malformation of the inner ear canal itself. Symptoms of chronic ear infection include persistent fluid drainage from the affected area, recurrent episodes of dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation), hearing loss that does not improve even after antibiotic treatment has been completed, persistent pain in one or both ears that may become worse at night due to increased pressure in your head while laying down flat on your back (this is known as barotrauma). Treatment for chronic otitis media usually involves long-term antibiotic therapy combined with antihistamines if allergies are suspected as well as possible surgical interventions depending on underlying causes such as structural abnormalities in your ears.

Overall it is important to understand that while both acute and chronic otitis media have similar symptoms they have different causes which require different treatments depending on severity and underlying factors involved. If you experience any symptoms related to an ear infection it is always best practice to seek medical attention right away so you can receive an accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically for your individual needs.

Tags:

ear infections, acute, chronic, pain, discomfort, hearing loss, bacterial/viral infection, fever, dizziness, fluid drainage from the ear, feeling of fullness in the affected ear, ibuprofen/acetaminophen for pain relief, allergies/structural problems in the ears (Eustachian tube dysfunction/malformation of inner ear canal), persistent fluid drainage/recurrent episodes of dizziness or vertigo/hearing loss not improving after antibiotics/, persistent pain in one or both ears (barotrauma), long-term antibiotic therapy combined with antihistamines if allergies suspected/, possible surgical interventions.,

Topics