Can Ear Infection Cause Face Swelling? – Otitis externa is an infection of the ear, also known as the swimmer’s ear. It occurs in the ear canal leading to the ear. In some cases, otitis externa can spread to other tissues, including the jaw and face bones. This disease is called malignant otitis externa; ear infections can cause facial swelling.
Introduction
Otitis externa is also called swimmer’s ear, but malignant otitis externa is not caused by fluid in the ear. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus often cause otitis externa. Over 90% of people who develop otitis externa have diabetes.
Malignant otitis externa is a severe disease. Another name for malignant otitis externa is necrotizing otitis externa. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
The symptoms of malignant otitis externa are easy to recognize. These may include:
- Regularly, a yellow or green secretion that smell foul comes out of the ear
- Ear pain that gets worse when you move your head
- Fever
- Deafness
- Itchy ears
- Difficult to swallow
- Weakness/Swelling of facial muscles
- Loss of voice or laryngitis
- Red and swollen skin around the ears
If you have any of these symptoms, consult an ENT Specialist in Karachi immediately. Early treatment helps prevent the spread of infection, reducing the other health effects of the disease.
Causes
Malignant otitis externa is usually not an atrial swimming problem. This condition usually occurs when you have other health problems or receive medical treatment that can make you weak. These may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- AIDS
- HIV
When the body is weak and aggressive bacteria enter the ear canal, the body will have a hard time-fighting. When bacteria cause an infection, the virus can infect the tissues of the ear and the bones at the base of the skull. If it is not cured, the virus can spread to the brain, cranial arteries, and other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Doctors do a physical exam to diagnose otitis externa. The assessment includes all medical records. This allows the doctor to identify underlying conditions affecting the immune system. During the test, your doctor will check your ent for infections. Your doctor will also check your head and behind your ears. If fluid comes out of your ear, your doctor may order a fluid or culture sample. They will send these samples to the clinic for examination. This will help identify the germs that are causing the infection. If you have otitis externa, your doctor can check if you are infected. These tests include:
- Neurological examination
- CT scan of the head
- MRI of the head
- Radionuclide scan
- Treatment
- Antibiotics
Treatment
Antibiotics
Treatment for otitis externa usually includes antibiotic therapy. This condition can be difficult to cure, and you may need to take antibiotics for several months. Antibiotics should be given intravenously or through a vein in the arm if the pain is severe. Treatment should continue until the diagnosis shows that the disease is gone.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the tissue is damaged by infection. Damaged tissue can be removed surgically, and surgery is performed after the infection is cleared. Your doctor will tell you if there is a need for surgery.
Risk Factors
It is calculated that about 1 in 10 people will be affected at some point in their life. The disease occurs less frequently in women than men and is most often diagnosed in adults aged 45 to 75 years. People with certain autoimmune disorders (mutations) are at greater risk of developing the disease. These include:
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent malignant otitis externa is to treat all ear infections until all are gone. This means that you should follow your doctor’s instructions and complete your course of antibiotics.
You should also take steps to protect your health if your immune system is affected.
If you have diabetes, you need to control your blood sugar.
If you are infected with HIV, you are taking medicines to control the virus in your body.
Protecting your health is essential for strengthening your immune system and preventing the spread of disease.
If the immune system is compromised, the virus will recover. Recurrent infections can lead to brain damage and brain damage. Although the virus rarely spreads to the brain, it can cause permanent injury and death. Follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid re-infection.
Who to Consult?
If you have an ear infection that is not going on its own, you should consult an ENT Specialist. If you notice any of the above signs, immediately go for expert advice. You can easily find an ENT Specialist through Marham; there is no complex process to consult a specialist. You can book your appointment easily anywhere, anytime, with an ENT Specialist in Karachi through Marham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- Can ear infections cause swelling of the temples?
When an ear infection or earache occurs, you may feel a tingling sensation in your temples and ears. Pain in the sinuses caused by allergies or the upper respiratory tract conditions, including the nose, can cause these symptoms.
2- Can ear infections cause pain in the face?
Ear infections can cause severe pain in, around, or behind the ears. Sometimes the infection spreads to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth, causing pain in the face.
3- How long does it take to treat an ear infection with antibiotics?
Many minor aches and pains will go away in 2-3 days. If antibiotics are available, the course is usually ten days. However, the fluid in the ear may remain for a few weeks after the infection is gone.
4- What are the signs of a severe ear infection?
Most ear infections go away within three days, but severe ear infections should be treated with antibiotics. Ear infections are more common in children. It is essential to see a doctor if you or your child has a severe illness, a fever over 102.2 ° F, ringing in the ears, or other symptoms.
