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Title: What factors can contribute to external ear infections and middle ear infections Post by: barry on Feb 9, 2012 What factors can contribute to external ear infections and middle ear infections? Why are children more prone than adults to getting middle ear infections?
Title: Re: What factors can contribute to external ear infections and middle ear infections Post by: robertling on Feb 21, 2012 External ear infections occur in the external auditory canal. These ear infections can occur when water becomes trapped in the external auditory canal. This is most commonly referred to as "swimmers ear." Once water has been trapped in the canal, the moisture coupled with body temperature allows bacteria to grow, causing an infection. The symptoms include itching and pain while chewing or touching the areas around the ear. Middle ear infections usually result from infections of the nose and throat that work their way through the auditory tubes to the middle ear. Young children are more susceptible to middle-ear infections because their auditory tubes are horizontal, allowing bacteria to travel through them more easily. The auditory tubes begin to tilt and curve with age, which prevents bacteria from invading so easily. Symptoms include stabbing earache, impaired hearing, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, often accompanied by fever. Both types of ear infection are treatable with antibiotics and pain relievers.
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