What Is an Inner Ear Infection?
Also known as labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection is a condition in which the sufferer experiences difficulties with maintaining proper balance. Labyrinthitis is one of the several forms of otitis and is sometimes called otitis interna, indicating that the condition has to do with an infection or inflammation of the inner ear. Along with balance problems, this type of infection may be accompanied by some degree of hearing loss and possibly ringing in the ears.
There are several factors that can cause an inner ear infection. The most common origin has to do with the contraction of a virus, although the disorder can also be caused by a bacterial infection. While the natural defenses of the body can often overcome the ear problem in time, treatment by a physician will hasten recovery and also minimize the chances of long term damage.
Along with bacterial infections or viruses, allergies may also trigger the inflammation that is part of an inner ear infection. Pet dander, food allergies, and even an allergic reaction to prescription medication may set the stage for the infection. Treating the allergy with diet and medication can often help to ease the ear pain and other issues that are part of this condition and expedite the healing process.
An inner ear infection can also develop from other ear infections, such as swimmer’s ear. While this condition is normally confined to the outer ear and the ear canal, constant probing in the ear can force bacteria and other matter into the middle ear, behind the eardrums, and into the inner ear. When this happens, the inflammation builds up and can create a strong sense of congestion that is much more pronounced than outer or middle ear problems. At this juncture, antibiotics are the most likely way to calm the inflammation and allow healing to take place.
Stress has the ability to negatively impact many functions in the body. Prolonged and severe stress can also lead to the development of anxiety and ultimately an inner ear infection. An anxiety disorder that includes the development of labyrinthitis will usually include periods of sudden dizziness and disorientation that quickly move on to triggering a full blown panic attack. Physicians routinely consider the possibility of an inner ear infection when patients begin to manifest disorders of this type, as well as look for other physical imbalances that can result from stress and anxiety.
The exact form of treatment for an inner ear infection will depend on the origin of the infection itself and the various symptoms and side effects that make themselves manifest. In some cases, dietary changes are implemented, or medications are changed as a means of easing the constant earache. If anxiety and panic are present, using some type of anti-anxiety medication to ease the symptoms may also help expedite the healing process.
While it is possible for the body to eventually overcome an inner ear infection, damage can be done in the interim that allows various symptoms to linger for weeks or even years. Seeking medical treatment will not only shorten the duration of the actual infection, but also lessen the possibility of living with ringing ears or other sorts of ear problems for an extended period of time.
Written by Malcolm Tatum
