Different Kinds of Ear Infections

The three different types of ear infections that are most common are otitis interna, which is also known as labyrinthitis or inner ear infection, otitis media which is inflammation within the middle ear or an ear infection, and last but not least, you have otitis externa which is also known as swimmer's ear or also known as an outer ear infection. Out of all three different kinds of ear infections, otitis media is one of the most common.

Otitis Media

As mentioned earlier, otitis media is described as a kind of inflammation within the middle ear or an ear infection. Quite often, this inflammation begins when infections are present in the air that can cause colds, sore throats, and breathing and respiratory problems and also begin spreading into the middle ear. These types of ear infections can either be bacterial or viral infections. Some of the most common names that are used in order to describe otitis media are inner ear infection, middle ear infection as well as ear infection.

Otitis media has two main types: the first type is referred to as acute otitis media or AOM. What this suggests is that certain parts of the ear are swollen and infected. This also means the mucus and fluid are all trapped within the ear. AOM is also known to be very painful.

The second kind of otitis media has a presence of effusion or fluid, and is also referred to as OME. With this type, the mucus and fluid stay logged within the ear once the infection is gone. OME makes it far harder for the ear to fight off any possibility of new infections. Your child's or your own hearing can also be affected by this fluid.

Otitis Externa

Swimmer's ear or otitis externa is basically an ear infection that affects the outer ear canal as well as the entire outer ear. Swimmer's ear can cause the ear to become inflamed, red and irritated so that the movement of the head or the touching of the ear is made extremely painful. In certain cases, there can be some puss that will also drain from the ear.

When people ever get contaminated water in their ear, it can sometimes result in this kind of ear infection. More usually, swimmer's ear might occur within a couple of days of remaining in the contaminated water or placing objects that are contaminated in the ear. Don't forget that swimmer's ear isn't anything like the middle ear infection that might've been more common during childhood. In the event that you can wiggle the outer part of the ear without discomfort or pain, more than likely the ear infection might not be swimmer's ear.

Now that you are more familiar with the different kinds of ear infections, you will know what is going on the next time you experience pain or discomfort in your ear.