HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM EAR INFECTIONS DURING MONSOON

Subsequent to the sunny summers, Monsoon bring in the breeze of joy & happiness into our lives. It feels great to experience the pleasant weather & rejoicing showers. However, at the same time, it brings a lot of waterborne diseases and infections. We need to take utmost care during rainy days to ensure our wellness. Ear infections are common in all ages during the monsoon. Infections can affect any part of the ear, such as the external ear, middle ear & rarely the inner ear. Humidity level is more during the rainy season, Moisture will create an ideal environment for bacteria, virus spread & fungus to grow says" Dr. P.V.L.N. Murthy, MBBS, DLO, DNB, Consultant ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist, STAR Hospitals"

COMMON REASONS

• Debris [dry wax] in the ear or minor bruises is generally caused by finger nail scratching, earbuds, prolonged use of hearing devices for online classes in children, work from home employees etc.
• Cold and allergies are common in rainy season, these conditions may lead to congestion in the nasal passage and Eustachian tube, so fluids start to build-up in the middle ear.

During the monsoon, Fungus mainly affects external ear & the middle ear gets badly affected by the bacterial infection, which starts from sore throat. Rarely, the inner ear gets affected by Virus (Herpes).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF EAR INFECTION

• Severe ear pain, starts middle of night
• Blocked ear
• Decreased Hearing & dizziness
• Ear discharge, Foul smell
• Rashes over pinna & ear canal
• Facial weakness, deviation of mouth to one side
• Severe headache & fever

HOW TO HANDLE OUR EARS?

• Don’t put cotton swabs in ear before shower, may contain fungus, may trap more water & causes fungal infections (Otomycosis)
• Clean only outer part of the ear with a clean cloth after a shower, don’t use ear buds
• Disinfect the earphones, Head phones and Bluetooth devices with a disinfectant
• Drink normal or warm water.
• Gargle with warm salt-water to prevent throat infection
• Don’t blow the nose when you have cold, it causes middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Take plain water steam to relieve nasal congestion
• Don’t self-medicate with home remedies like warm oils, take medical help for all kinds of ear pain, discomfort, or discharge
• Follow these preventive measures and meet ENT Specialist if in case problem persists.

The Department of ENT at Star Hospitals provides a wide range of services and maintains the highest standard of medical care. Our team is focused on the overall welfare of our patients and their families, aiming to restore quality of life with the highest degree of professionalism. The Department is well equipped with ultra-modern facilities, amenities and an expert team of ENT Surgeons, Audiologists and Therapists along with the latest operating microscopes, diagnostic video endoscopes and an up-to-date audiology lab. With over 3000 sinus surgeries, the team is considered one of the leading ENT surgical teams in India. The team strongly believes in patient friendly techniques like minimally invasive or endoscopic procedures which are challenging for the surgeon to perform, but involve minimal or no blood loss, with reduced but effective stay at the hospital.

Book Appointment: Dr. P.V.L.N. Murthy, MBBS, DLO, DNB, Consultant ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist, STAR Hospitals"