May Cause A Ruptured Eardrum:

When fluid from an ear infection builds up behind the eardrum, the pressure can cause the eardrum to break open, says the National Institutes of Health. Fluid and blood flowing out of the ear are signs of a ruptured eardrum, the Mayo Clinic reports. However, the situation is usually temporary; (the eardrum often heals on its own, without surgery, after the pressure from clogged fluid is released).

May Cause Enlarged Adenoids or Tonsils:

Sometimes ear infections cause inflammation that makes people’s adenoids or tonsils swell, according to the National Institutes of Health. Adenoids and tonsils are both tissues that are part of the body’s lymphatic system, designed to help protect the body from germs coming in through the mouth and nose. The adenoids are located in the upper throat behind the nose; the tonsils are located in the back of the throat. If they become enlarged, breathing and hearing problems may result, the National Institutes of Health reports.

An occasional ear infection is not something that a person in generally good health should be overly concerned about. However, frequent ear infections which occur on multiple occasions or which cause some of the above symptoms, should certainly be taken seriously. Dangerous complications can occur if ear infections don’t clear up quickly, or if they repeatedly recur.

Source: Whitney Hopler

Photo Credit: Ana de Sousa