Can adults get ear infections?

1. 92

   thoughtholeposted 12 years ago

   Can adults get ear infections?
   
   My ear has been plugged for approx 5 days following a vicious cold. It does not hurt it's just full if junk making one side of my head feel muffled. It is very annoying and disorienting. Is it possible in middle age that I may have an ear infection.

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2. 68

   L.L. Woodardposted 12 years ago

   Ear infections don't discriminate because of age, so it's possible at any age to have one.
   
   It's also possible that your ear feeling plugged could be from the congestion from the cold, or you could have forced mucus into the connecting tube between your sinuses and ear if you have blown your nose.

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3. 83

   arksysposted 12 years ago

   yep definitely possible ... i've seen it happen to the middle aged person where they had puss accumulating in the ear area and was swollen. if you feel swelling of any kind then best to head to the doctors before it gets painful. all the best.

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4. 61

   GoAskSueposted 12 years ago

   Hi Thoughthole, Yes, anyone can get an ear infection.  It can be in the inner ear, the middle ear, or the outer ear.  And  I agree, it is miserable!  Not only does it interfere with hearing, but also, as you said, can cause spatial disorientation and dizzyness as well.
   
   As an R.N. and health care practitioner, here is what I would suggest to help:  Cut an onion in half and place over your ear and hold it there for awhile.  The onion will act on the ear canal in much the same way as it does your tear ducts, pulling out the gunky stuff.
   
   If you have a health food store handy, get some ear candles and candle your ear.  You will need someone to help you with that, but it is very easy.  We've had amazing results with that process. It's so relaxing and comforting that people do it even if they don't have an ear infection!
   
   Another thing that is helpful especially if it's a bonafide bacterial or other infection is to use a special kind of oil that is also available at most health food stores.  It's mullein and garlic oil.  Lie down on the unaffected side and place a few drops of oil in the ear.  After a few minutes you can place a bit of cotton ball into the ear canal and get up and go about your business.  You should do this several times a day.  It's extremely healing and works wonders very quickly, even for children.
   
   Although you didn't mention any pain, this formula also stops the pain of earache dead in it's tracks.  Mullein is the only known non-poisonous narcotic, plus is it very healing, as is the garlic.   Some stores only carry the garlic oil, so if that is all you can find, use that.
   
   Good Luck!  And if none of these home remedies work satisfactorily for you, you may have to go to the doctor who will get the big guns out---antibiotics, usually amoxacillin for ear infections.  If you do have to use them, please also take some pro-biotics at the same time, as anit-biotics kill them off and that is bad!

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5. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Yes, you need to go to the doctor and have it examined and get treatment.

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