How do I recognize an inflammation of the middle ear and when should I see a doctor?
June 23, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear expert in otolaryngology,
My name is Verena Vöss and in the past few days I have been experiencing strong pain in my right ear. At first, I thought it was just a mild cold, as I also had a runny nose and slight sore throat. However, the ear pain has become so intense that I can hardly concentrate and also have trouble swallowing. Additionally, I feel like my hearing in my right ear is somewhat muffled.
I am worried that it could be a middle ear infection, as I have heard that this can be very painful and untreated can lead to complications. Therefore, I would like to know from you how I can recognize a middle ear infection. Are there typical symptoms that indicate this? And at what point should I definitely see a doctor?
I have already tried to help myself with painkillers, but the pain has not subsided and I am worried that it could be a more serious condition. Therefore, I would be very grateful for your assessment and possible advice on how to proceed. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Verena Vöss
Dear Mrs. Vöss,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing severe pain in your right ear over the past few days. The symptoms you described, such as a runny nose, sore throat, ear pain, and muffled hearing in the right ear, do indeed suggest a possible middle ear infection.
A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation of the middle ear often caused by a bacterial infection. Typical symptoms of a middle ear infection include fever, ear pain, pressure in the ear, hearing problems, dizziness, and sometimes discharge from the ear. If you have several of these symptoms, the likelihood of a middle ear infection is high.
It is important to take a middle ear infection seriously and treat it early, as untreated infections can lead to complications such as spreading to surrounding structures or hearing loss. Therefore, I strongly advise you to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
Typically, the doctor will perform an otoscopy to examine the ear and determine if a middle ear infection is present. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, treatment with antibiotics, pain relievers, or decongestant nasal drops may be necessary. It is important that you do not self-treat, but rather leave this to a specialist to avoid potential complications.
I understand that the pain and discomfort are distressing, but it is important that you seek medical help as soon as possible to determine the cause and receive the proper treatment. I wish you all the best and hope that you will soon find relief from your symptoms.
Sincerely,
Roberta Weinert, Specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat Medicine
