Ear Infections in Pregnancy - Understanding Risks and Finding Relief

Introduction:

Ear infections might occur once in a while in pregnant females due to different hormonal and physiological changes in the body. Therefore, pregnant females are at an increased risk of getting ear infections. Once-in-a-while appointment with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is commonly seen among pregnant females. Read the article further to shed some light on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of ear infections among pregnant women.

Pregnancy and Ear infections

Ear infections are rare but can affect pregnant women sometimes. Pregnant female ear infections can vary from mild to moderate types and are mostly temporary. Let us discuss different types of ear infections among pregnant females, including causes, symptoms, and management.

What Are the Possible Reasons for Ear Infection During Pregnancy?

When it comes to infection, pregnant females are prone to all sorts of infections due to sudden hormonal and physiological changes happening in the body. In addition, pregnant females are at more risk of getting ear infections due to bacterial or viral infections. Alterations or changes during pregnancy making pregnant women at higher risk are:

• Increased Basal Metabolic Rate: During pregnancy, the demand for oxygen and blood volume increases in the body, resulting in cardiac overload (increased work by the heart) to maintain fluid movements all around the body. This may result in earaches in a few pregnant females due to fluid build-up in the ear.

• Fluctuations in Hormonal Levels: The hormones such as estrogen and progesterone undergo fluctuations (sudden rise and fall) at different rates in pregnant females. It can affect the body's immune system resulting in an increased risk of an attack of bacterial and viral infections, thus making pregnant women more susceptible to infections. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and susceptibility to infections during pregnancy.

• Increase in Fluids: Increased blood volume and blood flow cause more fluid accumulation in the body. Due to this, during pregnancy, sinus infections, as well as stuffy noses or discharge from the nose, are commonly observed, thus increasing susceptibility to ear infections.

• Ear Disorders During Pregnancy: Change in seasons, allergies, cold, and flu due to extreme weather changes all together forms a contributing factor for increased susceptibility to ear infections among pregnant women. Ear infections can also cause other temporary changes like:

1. Vertigo (spinning or rotating sensation in the head).

2. Temporary hearing inability or hearing loss.

3. Tinnitus (ringing sensation in the ears).

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections During Pregnancy?

Symptoms of ear infections during pregnancy include:

• Sharp or dull pain in the external ears on palpation.

• Swelling and redness of the ear canal.

• Itchy sensations around the ears.

• Ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus).

• Ear discharge or drainage with yellowish or greenish fluid.

What Are Different Techniques for Managing Ear Infections During Pregnancy?

Different home remedies can provide benefits and act wonders in preventing and managing ear infections during pregnancy.

1. Home Hacks:

Some home hacks that can be utilized for managing ear infections during pregnancy are:

• Homemade Ear Drops: One part of rubbing alcohol mixed with one part of vinegar helps relieve ear pain. This remedy is not recommended in females already suffering from ear diseases like a damaged ear canal.

• Warm Water Compresses: A hot water bag filled with lukewarm water or a towel dipped in warm water can be used externally with gentle compressions near the ears to relieve pain.

• Herbal Ear Drops: Herbal ear drops can be used for ear infections after consulting the gynecologist.

2. Consult With the Doctor

Ear pain can occur due to many reasons. Therefore, it is advisable to get regular check-ups done to safeguard the health of both the child and the mother. Any infections that occur in the ear during pregnancy should be considered serious and immediate consultation with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is recommended for health safeguards. An ENT specialist will check the ear canals for any clinical symptoms using an otoscope (a small apparatus with attached light used to check ears) like ear discharge, swelling, or for ringing sensation in the ears.

3. Health Safeguard and Harm Prevention - Protocols for Management of Ear Infections in Pregnant Females

The first thing that comes to mind while dealing with pregnant patients is safeguarding health and harm prevention procedures. These procedures are followed by the healthcare workers keeping in mind the protocols of management while dealing with pregnant patients, as any treatment procedure advised or performed can affect the health of both the baby and the mother directly or indirectly.

Pregnant patients should strictly avoid self medications. It is advisable to seek medical help or consult with a doctor before taking any medications. The doctor prescribes various over-the-counter analgesics and antibiotics for ear infections of bacterial or fungal origin based on the diagnosis made from clinical examination and history of the presenting symptoms by the patient.

Drugs like Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen are avoided during pregnancy as they can affect a child's health. Analgesics like Acetaminophen are considered safe drugs during pregnancy. The doctor prescribes ear drops, ear washes, and ointments for up to two weeks to manage ear infections in pregnant females.

Can Ear Infections Affect a Baby During Pregnancy?

Any infection during pregnancy is considered harmful to both the child and the mother. In addition, any delay in diagnosis and management of the infection during pregnancy can affect the health of both the child and the mother, so it is recommended to get immediate consultation from the doctor to take the necessary steps to manage the infections.

How Can We Prevent Ear Infections During Pregnancy?

Various prevention strategies can help pregnant women deal with the risk of ear infections. A few below-mentioned prevention strategies to prevent ear infections are:

• Avoid scratching the inner ear canal with cotton swabs.

• Keep the ears clean with a soft cloth.

• Avoid any external trauma to the ears.

Conclusion:

Ear infections are very common and may affect pregnant women, disturbing expectant mothers' quality of life. It is advisable to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of ear infections. Delays in the management of ear infections can affect the health of both the baby and the mother.