Ear Infection Cause

EAR INFECTIONS can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

"No ma, not my nose, it's my ear that's running!"

Very often a flu virus starts the ear infection by causing inflammation in the ear. This clear watery discharge becomes an excellent meal for bacteria which turn the liquid to a gooey yellow or green color.

Farther into your ear than you can reach with your finger, is a smooth membrane like the skin of a drum. Behind this eardrum, your hammer, anvil, and stapes are stored in a bony room called the middle ear. Beyond that is an organ used for balance and further still is your brain. Most infections of the ear are either of the ear canal you can poke with your finger, and/or the middle ear you cannot.

Viral ear infections typically don't last longer than your average flu - about 7 to 10 days. They tend to make the ear itchy inside but are mostly harmless.

Bacterial infections on the other hand, have no time limit and can be lethal if untreated. Gradually they gobble up and destroy delicate structures in the ear and can eventually extend to the surrounding bone and brain.

So now let's look at the symptoms of ear infections.

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