Ear Infections
An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear, the sections of your ear just behind the eardrum. Ear infections can be painful because of inflammation and fluid build-up in the middle ear.
Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Chronic ear infections either do not clear up, or they recur many times. Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear.
An ear infection occurs when one of your eustachian tubes becomes swollen or blocked, causing fluid to build up in your middle ear. Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat. The causes of eustachian tube blockage include:
- allergies
- colds
- sinus infections
- excess mucus
- smoking
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can help you feel well again!
