When both ears of a person are infected simultaneously, it is referred to as bilateral acute otitis media (BAOM), or double ear infection. It typically occurs when the infection begins on one side and spreads quickly to the other. It is considered more serious than an infection in one ear. Compared to a unilateral ear infection, symptoms may be more severe, and a more aggressive course of treatment is typically advised. Early diagnosis and treatment will help reduce further complications, like hearing loss.
Symptoms Of Double Ear Infection
Even though the symptoms of a double-ear infection are similar to those of a single-ear infection, the severity may increase when both ears are infected. The typical signs of a bilateral ear infection are similar to those of a unilateral ear infection, except for more frequent and elevated fevers.
The symptoms include:
- Pain in both ears
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Fever for more than 2 days
- Hearing difficulty
- Drainage from the ears
How To Identify The Symptoms In Children?
Symptoms in toddlers include:
- Crying
- Irritability, mainly while lying down.
- Loss of interest in feeding
- Persistent or recurring fever
- Pulling the ears
Causes Of The Infection
The major reasons for ear infections are viruses or bacteria in the middle ear. An ear infection might also strike someone who has an upper respiratory illness. However, it is not contagious. On the other hand, respiratory infections are possible side effects of ear infections.
Double-ear infections can also be caused by enlarged adenoids, which are tissue cushions behind the nose, particularly in young children. Occasionally, an infection confined to one ear might spread to both ears.
Difficulties Of The Infection
The most frequent short-term consequence of a double-ear infection is hearing problems. Hearing usually returns to normal after the virus has cleared up. Persistent double-ear infections can cause more complications, such as:
- Hearing problems: Double-ear infections may lead to permanent damage to the structures inside the ear, causing hearing loss of varying degrees.
- Delayed speech development in children: Persistent hearing loss can cause impairments in speech and development in infants and toddlers.
- Ruptured eardrum: Severe ear infections can lead to a torn eardrum, which usually heals within weeks.
- Spread of infection: A double ear infection carries the same risk of spreading to other parts of the body as any other infection.
Usually, long-term, severe complications are rare for double ear infections.
Diagnosis
A double ear infection is after reviewing the patient’s medical history and enquiring about their symptoms. An otoscope will be used to examine both ears. Usually, the doctors seek the signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and fluid behind the eardrum.
A pneumatic otoscope is an additional tool doctors use to measure the eardrum’s response to pressure. The chances of fluid buildup behind the ears are higher if the eardrum is unresponsive to the applied pressure.
Treatment For Double Ear Infection
Double ear infections are different from other ear infections as they do not clear up on their own but demand professional treatments.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics like amoxicillin can be used to treat bacterial infections. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotic eardrops. A viral infection must run its course, as antibiotic drugs are ineffective against it.
Ear tubes
Fitting tiny ear tubes during surgery may be necessary for children with recurring ear infections. The tubes lessen fluid accumulation and aid in middle ear ventilation.
Certain tubes can stay in the ear for up to a year before coming out on their own. Certain tubes need to be surgically removed since they remain in the body longer.
Home Remedies
Home remedies aid in the reduction of pain and other irritabilities during an infection. Placing a washcloth soaked in warm water against the affected ears will help to reduce pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can help with ear pain.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are two alternatives used for ear pain. When giving medication to young children, make sure the dosage is suitable for their age.
Children shouldn’t use aspirin since it has been connected to a dangerous disorder called Reye’s syndrome.
Prevention Against The Infection
Prevention of double-ear infections is difficult, especially in young children. Some of the steps to reduce infections are:
- Frequent hand washing can help stave off the flu and colds.
- Reduce direct contact with sick people.
- Keep children away from daycare facilities when they are sick.
- Educate kids to abstain from sharing cutlery.
- Limit the exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Stay updated on all the vaccinations, including flu shots.
- Breastfeeding infants is recommended whenever feasible since it offers extra defense against ear infections. When feeding the baby, make an effort to hold them upright.
- Avoid prolonged bottle feedings at bedtime as it may worsen cough, acid reflux, and ear and sinus infections.
Conclusion
After treatment, a double-ear infection should start to clear up. However, it may take up to 10 days for symptoms to completely resolve once an individual has finished taking all of the antibiotics.
In the meantime, pain and suffering might be lessened by home treatments. Anyone who notices symptoms of a double ear infection should seek medical help as early as possible.
