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Symptoms
Earache is a major symptom of the ear infection. The pain may be mild
or severe. Young children are prone to suffer from an earache as their
tubes being smaller are easily blocked and infected. Fever is another
symptom of ear infection. It surfaces when the earache is severe.
In some cases, a thick, yellow fluid comes out of the ears. It happens
only when the eardrum bursts due to unbearable pains of ear infection.
The pain disappears after the fluid flows out. Persistent ear infection
can lead to a temporary hearing problem.
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Appetite loss |
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Vomiting |
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Grumpy behavior |
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Trouble sleeping |
Symptoms of thin, yellow fluid buildup
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Ringing |
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Popping |
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Fullness of the ear |
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Pressure in the ear |
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Dizziness |
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Balance problems |
Procedure
The surgical treatment of ear infection is accomplished
by placing a tube into the eardrum to drain the fluid.
It is a common method of Mastoldectomy. First, the patient
is kept under the spell of anesthesia; a small hole
is cut into the eardrum by the surgeon. A small plastic
tube is inserted into the eardrum through the opening.
The tube ventilates the middle ear after flowing out
of the fluid. Fluid often develops behind the eardrum
in case of children causes hearing loss.
Myringotomy and tympanostomy are two types of Mastoldectomy with tube placement. It prevents fluid and pressure from building up and restores hearing.
Tonsil removal that is adenotonsillectomy and adenoid removal that is adenoidectomy are beneficial for some who develop ear infections repeatedly. When tube fails to prevent ear infection, doctors recommend these surgeries. In most of the cases, tubes stay in the eardrum for about six to twelve months. The surgeon closes the opening in the eardrum after taking out the tubes.
Medications and recovery
Earache due to ear infection is treated with pain relievers such as acetaminophen. A heating pad or warm washcloth is also effective to relieve pain. Aspirin should not be given to those who are under twenty. Medications for earache also include eardrops.
After the Tympanostomy Tube Surgery, the total time spent in the hospital is a few hours. Very young children are sometimes advised for a longer stay in the hospital.
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