Ear Diseases

Greetings to you dear friends. Welcome to the month of March and period of Ramadan. Wishing all my Muslim Ummah strength and grace throughout this period of Ramadan.
I'm delighted to participate once again in this contest organized by @afzalqamar on #ear-diseases.

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Ear is one of sense organs of the body whose main function is for hearing and balance. The ear is divided into three major parts which include the outer ear (comprising the pinna or auricle and the auditory canal), the middle ear (comprising the ear drum, the ossicles and eustachian tube) and the inner ear (comprising the cochlea, vestibule and the semicircular canal).

The ear is a self-cleaning organ. This is made possible by the help of the ear canal which has tiny hairs and produces wax. This wax helps protect the ear from dust, dirts and bacteria.
It will amaze you to know that just like fingerprints, everyone has a unique earprint.

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What do you know about ear diseases?

The ear, though comprising of different parts can be affected by several diseases. These diseases can either be infectious or non-infectious diseases.

Infectious ear Diseases: These are diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. Examples include:
1. Otitis externa: This is also known as the "swimmer's ear". It is an infection of the outer ear canal and it is often caused by viruses or bacteria.
2. Otitis media: Also known as the middle ear infection. Just like the otitis externa, it is also caused by bacteria and viruses.
3. Mastoiditis: This is an infection of the mastoid bone. Often times, this is a result of complications from poor management or lack of care from otitis media.

Non infectious ear diseases: Are ear diseases not related to any bacterial or viral infections. Examples include:

1. Hearing loss: This could be a result of too much exposure to loud noise which often time affects the ear drum. Age and other certain medical conditions could also be a factor to loss of hearing.
2. Meniere's disease: This is a disorder to the inner ear which affects one's hearing ability and balance.
3. Tinnitus: This is a ringing and buzzing sound in one's ear as a result of loud sounds like a blast or explosion or other medical conditions.

Have you ever experienced an ear-related health issue?

Yes, I once had an ear-related health issue sometimes last ear. I had this severe ache in my ear that deprived me of sleep for about two days. I couldn't endure the pain any longer despite taking some pain relieve. At the hospital, I was told I had some dried earwax in my ear drum that has trapped some dirt's and couldn't push it out. They cleaned my ear and applied some antibiotics drops and that was just it. I've been fine ever since and never had any ear ache again.

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How can we effectively treat and prevent ear infections?

Trust me, ear is one sensitive organ you wouldn't want to joke with. In most cases, it is often recommended that you seek medical attention whenever you are having some ear infections like discharge or pus coming out from the ear, hearing loss, severe pains or fever.

However, the following basic steps can be noted to prevent or manage any ear infection.

• observe and maintaining good hygiene
• avoid sticking objects in your ear
• get vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal diseases.
• avoid exposure to loud noises
• avoid dusty or dirty environments.

Most times, to treat ear infections, certain antibiotics, ear drops and pain relief are prescribed by the healthcare practitioner and in some cases, the tympanocentesis is performed which involves draining fluid from the middle ear.

I'll also love my friends @ashley-p @owulama and @deelyt to also share their views on #ear-diseases.