Ear Infection Causes

There has been a lot of interest lately about ear infection causes. As a former chronic ear infection sufferer I thought I'd take some time to give you some information about this timely problem. And how you can help eliminate ear infections altogether.


EAR INFECTION CAUSES

Middle ear infections are primarily caused by bacteria and viruses.
During a cold, sinus infection, throat infection, or an allergy attack, the Eustachian tubes can become blocked. The Eustachian tubes connect the inner ear to the nasal passages in order to drain fluid from the ears and equalize pressure between the outside and inside of the body. When the tubes are blocked this stops fluid from draining properly from the middle ear. This stagnant fluid then provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses to grow into an ear infection.

The most common types of bacterial infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
However the vast majority of infections are caused by viruses, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (flu) virus being the most frequent types found. These viruses account for the rise in ear infections in the northern hemisphere from January to May each year.

But an adult does not necessarily need to be sick to get an ear infection. Sometimes, the infection is caused simply by mucous being blown into the Eustachian tubes by blowing the nose or failing to clean the liquid out of the ear with a cotton swab after taking a shower or being in the water


SYMPTOMS

There are a number of symptoms associated with both bacterial and viral infections. These include such things as ear pain, fullness in the ear, hearing loss, ringing, discharge from the ear, nausea, vomiting , and vertigo.
Discharge from the ear canal is often caused by the infection known as swimmers ear (otitis externa). A painful ear with decreased hearing is often the result of a middle ear infection (otitis media).


PREVENTION

There are a number of simple steps you can take to help prevent getting an ear infection.
Firstly, try not to catch colds. To do this, stay away from people who have colds, if possible. Wash your hands regularly. And try not to touch your nose and eyes.
You can also avoid places where people are smoking as cigarette smoke can keep your Eustachian tubes from working properly.


TREATMENT

Typically, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to combat ear infections, either in the form of topical drops or oral medicine. But unfortunately, recent studies show that antibiotics are ineffective in almost 90% of ear infection cases, and when antibiotics are repeatedly used for middle ear infection in children, it increases the chances of further infection by 200 - 600%! (Journal of the American Medical Association)
Additionally, the majority of ear aches are caused by infection from viruses, which antibiotics are useless against!
I've found that the best way to cure an ear infection is a program called Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures developed by an Australian naturopath, Elizabeth Noble, that you can read more about by clicking on the above link.

The information contained in this amazing guide will help keep both you and your loved ones, particularly children who are more susceptible to ear infections, safe from unecessary pain and suffering.

As a former chronic ear infection sufferer who is now pain-free, I highly recommend taking a look at Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures for yourself and take the natural and healthy route to protecting your body from ear infections.