|
|
|
|
|
 What is it? An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the middle ear (the space behind the ear drum). Swelling, inflammation, and mucus accumulation in the eustachian tubes (the space connecting the middle ear to the back of your throat behind the nasal passages) may lead to an ear infection.
Symptoms/Risks Symptoms of ear infections can appear differently for children and adults. Child athletes: ear pain, tugging in the ear, difficulty sleeping, irritable, difficulty hearing, dizziness, fever >38 deg Celsius or >100.4 deg Fahrenheit, drainage of fluids from ears, headache and loss of appetite. Adult athletes: ear pain, fullness in ear, drainage of fluids from ears, diminished hearing, dizziness. Some risk factors for ear infections are: • Younger age • Seasonal or environmental allergies (ex: allergic rhinitis/hay fever) • Craniofacial abnormalities • Exposure to cigarette smoke • Group day care • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) • Immunodeficiency • Recent illness such as upper respiratory infection or sinus infection
Sports Medicine Evaluation & Treatment Your doctor can diagnose an ear infection using an otoscope to look into the ear, nose, and throat. A pneumatic otoscope can also help determine if there is fluid behind the ear drum. Many ear infections resolve without treatment with antibiotics. After clinical examination, your physician will decide if antibiotics are needed. Antibiotics will not be effective for viral ear infections. Symptomatic treatment may include: a. Application of warm, moist wash cloth over the affected ear. b. Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever if present. Avoid aspirin use in child or young athletes c. Recurrent otitis media or infections not responding to antibiotics may require the placement of drainage tubes (known as myringotomy tubes or tympanostomy tubes) Complications of ear infections can include: a. Hearing loss. b. Rupture or perforation of the ear drum. c. Other infections such as mastoiditis (infection of the bones of the skull behind the ear) d. Chronic or recurrent ear infections
Injury Prevention There are many ways to prevent ear infections: a. Prevention of common colds - covering your cough, regular hand washing. b. Avoid second hand smoke exposure. c. Ensure vaccinations are up to date - such as pneumococcal vaccines, influenza vaccines d. Breast feeding babies for at least 6 months in the beginning of their life may decrease risk of ear infections.
Return to Play • The decision to resume activity varies depending on any coexisting illness or associated complications • The athlete must be fever-free before returning to sports or recreation. • Those involved in water sports should not return to activity until the ear drum is moving normally and shows no signs of tearing or perforation AMSSM Member Authors References Category: Head, Infections, [Back] |
