Bengaluru's Viral Fever Surge Spurs Ear Infection Spike
Written by Arushi Sharma
Health experts in Bengaluru are warning of an anticipated surge in ear infections coinciding with a rise in viral fever cases, especially during the upcoming winter.
Health experts in Bengaluru have issued warnings of an anticipated surge in ear infection cases coinciding with the ongoing spike in viral fever incidents, particularly during the upcoming winter season. Traditionally seasonal ailments like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), dengue, chikungunya, conjunctivitis, malaria, and stomach infections have typically seen fluctuations during certain months. However, in the post-pandemic era, these diseases have been prevalent year-round.
Doctors have emphasized that children, especially those recovering from severe viral infections, are at a heightened risk of developing ear infections. Dr. Narendranath A, an ENT specialist at Fortis Hospital, indicated a daily influx of around 15 cases of ear infections linked to prior viral illnesses.
Explaining the transmission, medical professionals highlighted that throat discomfort, recurrent colds, or coughs could facilitate the spread of infection to the middle ear via a ventilation tube located behind the nose. This leads to the settlement of the infection in the eardrum, causing severe ear pain.
Dr. Rajath Athreya, HOD of Paediatrics and Neonatology, noted an increase in severe ear infection cases, particularly among children with adenoid hypertrophy and tonsillitis. However, he cautioned against overdiagnosis, as patients experiencing ear pain alongside viral infections might receive treatment that could be unnecessary.
Experts attributed this year's expected 10-15% rise in ear infection cases to the continuous circulation of viruses. They urged parents to remain vigilant for early symptoms such as cold, cough, or ear pain to prevent potential infections, which might persist for weeks if left untreated.
Treatment duration for ear infections varies, with early-stage cases potentially resolved within 8-10 days. However, more severe instances leading to ear discharge or perforation could prolong recovery to weeks.
The medical community advises proactive measures and timely intervention to mitigate the potential impact of these ear infections, closely linked to the ongoing viral fever surge in Bengaluru.