Ear pain is a common condition experienced by many people. However, when experiencing pain in the ear, it is often difficult to determine whether it is caused by an outer ear or middle ear infection (cough and cold). These two conditions have similar symptoms, but different causes. It is important to understand the difference between ear infections and colds in order to take appropriate steps in management and treatment.
Ear infections are also known as otitis and are generally divided into two types depending on the location of the infection. The first type is otitis externa which occurs on the outside of the ear and is caused by the entry of dirty water which causes itching, or the habit of picking the ears which is done unhygienically. The presence of water in the ear canal causes moisture and facilitates the growth and proliferation of bacteria. Apart from that, the risk of developing otitis externa can also increase due to the habit of excessive ear picking or the use of hearing aids, which causes the external ear canal to become irritated, swollen and ultimately produce infectious fluid. Next, there is a type of otitis media that occurs in the middle ear. Typically, otitis media occurs after a person has a cold or flu, when bacteria or viruses from the respiratory tract spread to the middle ear through the auditory tube.
Common symptoms associated with ear infections include:
- The pain is sharp and varies from mild to severe and may affect one or both ears.
- Hearing disorders. In some cases, you may feel your ears feel full or your hearing may decrease.
- Ear infections are often accompanied by fever, especially in children.
- Fluid or pus comes out of the ear. In severe cases, ear infections can cause fluid or pus to come out of the infected ear.
- Cold symptoms. Ear infections are often accompanied by cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or runny nose.
On the other hand, colds are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Cold symptoms usually involve a stuffy nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and coughing. However, colds can also cause several symptoms that affect the ears, such as:
- Fullness or decreased hearing
Inflammation in the upper respiratory tract can cause changes in pressure in the ear, which can cause a feeling of fullness or temporary hearing loss.
- Ears ringing
There is a sensation of ringing or hissing in the ears when someone has a cold. This is also caused by changes in pressure in the ear.
The main difference between an ear infection and a cold is in the symptoms that occur. If you experience severe pain in the ear, namely Otitis Externa/OE (history of ear picking) and Acut Otitis Media/OMA (caused by a cold cough), usually OE is painful if touched by the ear canal, if OMA is painful inside like a boil is about to burst with a history previous urination and symptoms such as fever or fluid coming out of the ear, it is most likely an ear infection and needs to be treated by a doctor or other medical personnel. Colds, on the other hand, are usually milder and the symptoms focus on the upper respiratory tract. It is important to seek immediate medical care if you experience severe symptoms of an ear infection or if symptoms last more than a few days. The doctor will perform a physical exam to check the ear and may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria. However, if the ear infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not be effective.
To reduce the risk of ear infections, there are several steps you can take, such as: avoid picking your ears excessively, if you have a cough and cold, seek treatment immediately, keep your ears clean, if earwax builds up easily, see an ENT doctor every 6 months. Implement complete immunization, maintain good hand hygiene, and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
Colds can be treated with independent steps, such as getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using symptom-relieving medications, such as nasal decongestants or saline nose drops to help relieve nasal congestion. However, if cold symptoms last more than 10 days or become more severe, you should consult a doctor or more skilled medical personnel.
Article written by dr. Irawati, Sp. ENT – KL (Ear Nose Throat Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).