Doctors see steady rise in ear infections in Pune

There has been a considerable rise in incidences of middle ear infection (MEI) and inner ear infection (IEI) in the city during 2008-10, claimed medical practitioners. According to doctors, the MEI cases have increased by 20% in the last two years, while IEI cases have also increased considerably in the last
three years.

Dr Kailash Sant, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist and skull based surgeon from Sahyadri Hospital said, “Ear infections are common during winters and this year the incidences rose by 20% as compared to last few years. Besides, the inner ear infection cases also rose three times. The rise in infections could be due to the new strains of viruses that are predominant in the air. However, one of the main reasons is changing weather which is causing all bacterial and viral infections.”

The most common bacteria that cause MEI include Haemophilus influenzae, which is associated with respiratory infections, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Climatic changes also
cause MEI.

“This year, the city saw less sunlight during winters which provided the viruses with a congenial condition to grow and cause infections,” Sant added.

“MEI is an infection that occurs behind the ear drum and is common during cold or nose infections. Symptoms of the MEI include pain, ear discharge, perforation and temporary deafness. Three out of 10 nose infection cases are likely to suffer from MEI,”
he said.

As far as the IEI is concerned, it is caused mainly due to high grade fever like typhoid, malaria and pneumonia.

“This IEI, which is known as labyrinthitis, is more dangerous as risk loss is very high. It causes inflammation of the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Common symptoms include dizziness and hearing loss,” said Sant.

Though both the infections are related to the ear, the treatment is very different and includes thorough diagnosis. The number of IEI cases few years back was less and was rarely seen but over five to six cases were reported during November-December last year, he said.

Dr Vandana Joshi, president of the Association of ENT Surgeons, Pune said, “There was a rise in ENT infections last year and MEI and IEI were reported on a large scale. This is due to viruses and changing weather that saw many people falling prey to viral and bacterial infections like malaria, chikungunya, dengue and jaundice,” Joshi said.

“Incidences of IEI have risen in the last few years but no particular reason can be cited behind the rise,” she said.

“It has also been noticed that MEI cases are reported early but IEI cases are delayed because the patients are either bedridden or are critically ill. Hygiene, regular steam inhalation during rainy and winter season, good diet and improved immunity level are must to prevent ear infections,” Joshi suggested.