How to Treat Inner Ear Infection?
An inner ear infection occurs when the ear is inflamed from the common cold or flu. The condition usually affects a person’s hearing power and balance. Sometimes, the infection is caused by a middle ear infection, which spreads to the inner portion of the ear. Whatever the cause is, you must see an ENT specialist in Navi Mumbai to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for ear infections.
Causes and Symptoms of Inner Ear Infection
In most cases, inner ear infection occurs because of the virus. Rarely, it’s caused by bacteria. When left undiagnosed or untreated, an inner ear infection can affect your balance and might lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Let’s check out the common symptoms:
- Temporary hearing loss
- Earache and headache
- Problem in balancing
- Liquid leaking from your ear
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Ear infections can spread to the airway, causing flu-like symptoms. It’s best to have them checked as soon as you notice the above signs.
Diagnosis for Inner Ear Infection
Your healthcare provider can diagnose an inner ear infection based on your physical symptoms. They use a tool called an otoscope to look inside your ear and nasal passage for signs of infection and inflammation. This also helps them deduct the collection of fluid inside your ear. Your doctor might recommend a neurological test. Further testing might be needed to rule out the possibility of other serious complications, such as a stroke.
Treatment for Inner Ear Infection
The treatment for inner ear infection depends on the cause of it and how far it’s spread. Usually, the antiviral or antibiotics (depending on whether it’s a viral or bacterial infection) are sufficient to treat the infection. Your doctor might recommend medication for dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and other symptoms.
You can take over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain. You can also try home remedies, such as ginger tea to relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as peppermint and cinnamon to ease your symptoms.
Prevention Tips for Ear Infection
Inner ear infections can occur in children and adults. While there’s no sure way to prevent it, a few tips can help you avoid catching the infection in the first place, thus reducing the risk of ear inflammation. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Do not come in contact with people who have a cold, infection, or other flu symptoms
- Do not eat or touch your face without washing your hands
- Avoid smoking
- Dry your ear properly after a shower
When to See an ENT Doctor?
If you notice the above symptoms, see your doctor for inner ear infection treatment in Navi Mumbai. Although the condition can improve on its own, it’s advisable not to wait for more than three days if the symptoms linger. See an ENT specialist immediately if you have a severe fever, difficulty balancing, dizziness, and hearing loss.
Conclusion
Inner ear infection takes no longer than 2-3 weeks to resolve, given that you take antibiotics and other prescribed medication. It’s important to see an ENT doctor if the symptoms persist. Note that an inner ear infection can lead to permanent hearing loss if it isn’t treated.
