Access your own patient portal, provided by NCSH.
Mon, Feb 05, 2024
Ear infections are a painful and, unfortunately, common occurrence for many families every year. Although adults are susceptible, the risk is more prevalent in young people, with five out of six children usually experiencing at least one ear infection before age 3. If you have a child or other loved one dealing with painful symptoms, you may wonder how to treat them and “Are ear infections contagious?” Keep reading below to learn about ear infections and whether they can spread to you or other household members.
Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The most frequent culprit is a bacterial infection called otitis media (OM). This occurs when excess fluid builds up in your middle ear and triggers pain and swelling. The fluid often comes from the back of your nose or sinuses due to a common cold, a sinus infection, or the flu. If the fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can lead to chronic otitis media (COM), which is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the eardrum. COM can also occur if there’s an injury to the eardrum.
If you or a loved one has been battling a recent cold or sinus infection and you notice any of the following signs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Common symptoms include:
Note that young children who are unable to communicate they’re in pain may also be fussy, refuse to eat, and pull at their ears.
If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Untreated ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss or more lifelong issues.
Very common. In the U.S., children’s ear infections cause about 30 million doctor visits each year. They top the list of reasons for visiting a doctor.
Ear infections tend to last longer than other types of infections, which makes them harder to treat, but the sooner you seek treatment, the less likely you are to experience an infection again.
There are several treatment options for ear infections, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or both.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic ear drops kill off the bacteria causing the infection. Most doctors prescribe amoxicillin or another antibiotic. (If you have a penicillin allergy, your doctor may prescribe cefdinir instead.)
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
If your doctor prescribes an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen, take it exactly as directed. These drugs do not cure ear infections but are pain relievers that also help lower fevers. They also reduce swelling so that the eardrum does not rupture.
In some situations—especially recurring and frequent ear infections—ear tube surgery may be necessary. If that is the case, it is important to find a qualified ear, nose, and throat surgeon near you.
There’s good news for those who wonder, “Are adult ear infections contagious?” or if this painful condition can be “caught” by the rest of the family. Ear infections themselves are not contagious.
However, the bacterial and viral infections that cause fluid buildup are. For that reason, it’s possible that you will catch the virus or bacteria that your loved one is carrying. These types of infections are usually spread on infected surfaces or in the air through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Because of this, keep surfaces clean and avoid close contact with your infected loved ones while still ensuring they are cared for while they are sick. If you do start to experience the same cold or flu symptoms as your infected loved ones, it is important to treat the symptoms as soon as possible so that your infection does not turn into an ear infection.
Ear infections are common, especially among young children, and are usually caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic factors. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapies are sometimes necessary to treat ear infections. Although ear infections are not contagious, the viral or bacterial infections that cause them can be transmitted to others. If you suspect an ear infection in yourself or your loved one, seek treatment as soon as possible. The award-winning North Carolina Specialty Hospital team is here to help you with all your ear infection questions and needs. Request an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist today!
Thyroid surgery removes part or all of the thyroid, a gland in the neck. You might need this surgery if you have thyroid cancer, a potentially cancerous nodule, or a nodule causing symptoms. Thyroid surgery…
Continue Reading
What are ear, nose, and throat doctors called? This is a common question, and while they are most often called ENTs to make it easier, the medical term for this kind of specialist is otolaryngologist….
Continue Reading
Do you have difficulty breathing through one or both sides of your nose? Suffer from ongoing nasal congestion, snoring, or sleep apnea? Experience nose bleeds, headaches, or facial pain? You may have a deviated septum,…
Continue Reading
View News & Press