HEALTH & FITNESS
Listen Ear
Why we shouldn’t ignore ear infections, and how we can recognise the symptoms and deal with the causes
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ar infections can affect the inner, middle or outer part of the ear, and can affect people of any age, but are particularly common in children. Inner ear infection, known as labyrinthitis, is the least common of the three types. This type affects the part of the ear that is responsible for hearing and balance and is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Middle ear infection, known as otitis media, affects the Eustachian tubes responsible for the air flow into the middle ear cavity, and is caused by allergies or mucus build-up. This type of ear infection is celebrityangels.co.uk
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more commonly found in children, because they have shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes than adults. Infants that are bottlefed have a bigger risk on suffering from an ear infection. Outer ear infection, also known as otitis media, affects the ear canal and is caused by bacterial or fungal infection. Risk factors for this type of infection includes smoking and sinusitis.
TREATMENT The types of treatment available depends on the type of ear infection and the seriousness of the infection. To tackle an inner ear infection,
ETD Blocked ears, known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction or ETD, are often caused by air pressure increases, for example when flying, by allergies, sinus infection or a cold. Steam inhalation can often help clear it up, but if you suffer regularly, see your GP about a ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) examination.
antibiotics would usually not be prescribed as inner ear infections often clear up on their own. A few days of rest will normally clear up the condition, though you should consult your GP for advice. Otinova Ear Spray is a medical device that treats ear canal inflammation/ otitis externa, sometimes known as ‘swimmers ear’. There are so few preparations as that are safe to use in ears, so choice is limited. Otinova is unique in that it contains Burow’s Solution; an astringent mixture of aluminium acetate, aluminium acetotartrate, acetic acid, and water. As early as the mid 19th century Karl August Burow used aluminium acetate to treat open wounds. For many years Burow’s solution was commonly used to treat insect bites, various skin lesions and ear canal inflammation. Now available in a preparation based on Burow’s recipe, this clinically proven antifungal and antimicrobial ear spray comes in a 15ml bottle (150 doses) and is available on prescription or over the counter. • DEAR DOCTOR WITH DR CHRIS STEELE
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15/10/2021 12:50