Fungal Infection of Ear
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 314, Word Count: 571,
Fungal infection of ear or otomycosis results in the swelling of the outer ear and the ear canal. It generally affects the ear lining causing itchiness and pain in the area. Although this infection of ear is hardly a severe medical condition, it could become chronic if someone is affected by it more than once. There are various types of ear fungus which affects human ears that could result in serious ear problems that include aspergillus niger, aspergillus fumigates, Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans.
Causes for Fungal Ear Infection
Fungus normally flourishes in areas which are warm and humid. The exceptional structure of the external hearing canal contributes to the growth of this form of otitis externa or ear infection. Since the external hearing canal is warm, dark and flat to becoming damp, it is common to see fungal and bacterial growth in the ears. The other factors which result into infections to grow are the thin skin of the ear canal which is easily troubled and the curve at the point where the cartilage meets the bone hindering the outlet of debris, foreign bodies and secretions.
The causes of fungal ear infections include:
- Moisture in the ears due to perspiration or high humidity and swimming
- Water infected with bacteria
- High environmental temperatures
- Insertion of objects such as ear plugs, cotton swabs, fingernails or hearing aids.
- Persistent dermatological diseases such as psoriasis or acne, eczema, etc.
- Other disturbance to the ear canal
It is seen that people with weakened immune systems like those who are HIV positive or have a history of respiratory disorders are affected with fungal infection of ear. The aspergillosis fungi could be mostly threatening in people who are already ill. People living in grimy environments with heat and high humidity are particularly prone to fungal infections in the ears.
Symptoms for Fungal Ear Infection
In addition to pain and irritation, fungal infection of ear could result in certain symptoms. Some of these symptoms in adults include:
1. Swelling and scaly or dry skin
2. Pruritus or an itching sensation, and severe discomfort
3. Observable heaps of debris containing the fungal hyphae. The fungal hyphae are protruding filaments which let the fungal infection to grow.
4. Pain and production of pus, injury and hearing loss
Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Ear Infection
The doctor might need to evaluate the symptoms by collecting a sample of the visible rubble using forceps or sterile swabs in order to diagnose the fungal infection of ear. Once a correct diagnosis of the infection is made, the rubble causing the blockage has to be removed by taking it out. An ENT specialist might use an otoscope to ensure that the rubble is completely removed from the ear canal before treating it with anti fungal medication.
In addition to this, there are also some effective home remedies for ear infections which you can use to treat the fungus in the ear. If you want to avoid treating the ear yourself, then the best course of action is to visit an ear specialist.
About the Author
Allergist Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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