Ear Infections


Common ear infections are infection of the ear canal (otitis externa), ear drum (myringitis), and the middle ear (otitis media). Infection may also extend to the ear cartilage (perichondritis) or skin (cellulitis). Occasionally, ear infections can cause ear polyp formation, mastoiditis, headaches, and jaw pain radiating to the neck.
In children, they may cause high fever, perforation of the ear drum and mastoiditis, pus in the mastoid bone and even facial weakness.
Treatment usually entails thorough ear cleaning, ear drops, antibiotics, and pain killers. Admission is rarely needed. Most cases are treated outpatient.