What are the causes of recurring ear infections?
May 13, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jessica Jung
Dear doctor,
I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing recurring ear infections lately and I am starting to get worried. My name is Jürgen Hering and I am 35 years old.
The symptoms keep coming back for me, especially after I have been swimming or spent a long time in a dusty environment. I then feel pain in the ear, increasing hearing loss, and sometimes an uncomfortable pressure sensation. After some time, pus often forms in the ear, which worsens the symptoms.
I have already undergone several treatments with antibiotic ear drops, which have helped temporarily, but the infection keeps coming back. I am wondering if there are specific causes for these recurring ear infections and if there are possible treatment methods to provide long-term relief.
It is very distressing for me to constantly deal with the pain and limitations in my daily life. I would like to know if there may be an underlying condition that is predisposing these infections or if it may be related to my lifestyle. Are there specific measures I can take to prevent these infections?
I thank you in advance for your help and look forward to your assessment of my situation.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Hering
Dear Mr. Hering,
Thank you for your message and the trust you place in me. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from recurrent ear infections and are worried as a result. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and find appropriate treatment to find long-term solutions.
The symptoms you have described such as ear pain, hearing loss, pressure sensation, and the formation of pus are typical signs of acute otitis externa, also known as external ear infection. This type of inflammation often occurs after swimming or prolonged exposure to moist or dusty environments. Moisture promotes the growth of bacteria or fungi in the ear canal, which can lead to inflammation.
It is good to hear that you have already tried antibiotic ear drops, which have provided temporary relief. However, if the inflammation keeps recurring, it is important to investigate the causes. There may be certain factors contributing to the reoccurrence of the infections.
One possible cause of recurrent ear infections could be anatomical peculiarities in the ear canal that facilitate the entry of water or foreign bodies. Weakened immune defenses, allergies, diabetes, or a decrease in the production of cerumen (earwax) can also increase the risk of ear infections.
To treat and prevent inflammation in the long term, it is important to identify possible causes and address them if necessary. This includes a thorough examination of the ear canal to rule out anatomical abnormalities. Checking the immune system and possible allergy tests can also be helpful.
In addition, taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of ear infections is important. This includes avoiding water in the ear canal, wearing ear protection when swimming or in dusty environments, regular ear cleaning, and avoiding excessive earwax.
I recommend scheduling an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to undergo a comprehensive examination and develop an individualized treatment strategy. Together, we can determine the specific causes of your recurrent ear infections and take appropriate measures to provide long-term relief.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Jessica Jung
