contagion ear infection

On average, about one third of all children under the age of five years old is bound to suffer from an ear infection.  Ear infection symptoms most commonly include ear pain and irritation. Over the past few years there has been a controversy regarding the question whether ear infections are transferable among people as if contagious. In an attempt to shed some light upon this mystery, we have decided to give you further information helping you grasp the truth.

First, an ear infection is certainely not contagious, at least not directly. However, an ear infection can be transferred indirectly. For example, if the ear infection results due to the same virus which causes cold and sore throat, it can be transferred from one person to another. This means that the transferred ilness is the cold, that eventually causes the ear infection.

Causes of Ear Infections

Most ear infections are caused by viruses. During a cold, the viruses located in the nose are transferred to the middle ear through tiny channels that are called the Eustachian tube. When the virus reaches the ear, it causes an inflammation, resulting in ear pain, discomfort and other symptoms. In  children, the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, are much more angled and narrower, enabling bacteria and viruse to easily migrate from the nose and throat all the way to the ears. As we grow, our Eustachian tubes grow more steep and wide, therefore greatly decreasing chances of viral and bacterial migrations.

Ear infections manifest mainly through pain, headaches and fever, especially while sleeping. In many cases, fluid may drip from the affected ear.Earinfections usually heal on their own after a period of several days.

If the infection remains persistent, seeking medical assistance is a must.