Ear infection is one of the most common illnesses affecting children. It can also affect adolescents and adults, especially if their immune systems are compromised. It can affect any part of the ear (outer, middle, and inner) but it typically occurs in the middle part (otitis media). Ear infections usually arise when the ears become clogged with mucus and fluids. Stagnant mucus and fluid serve as breeding grounds for infective microorganisms to grow. If left untreated, this type of infection can cause severe earache and hearing problems.
Ear Infection Treatment
Infections of the ear are generally self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own without the help of serious medical treatment. If they do need treatments, they are usually managed easily. Seldom will you encounter cases needing surgical intervention. There are many ways on how to treat an ear infection, but the three basic treatments for ear problems are home remedies, medications, and surgery.
Home Remedies for Ear Infection
Common ear infection home remedies are garlic, ginger, lemon, and vinegar. These items can be found inside the kitchen and they do not cost a fortune. Garlic is known for its cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic is typically mashed to get its juice and use it as an ear-drop. The juice is mixed with lukewarm water and is then poured into the ear to subdue swelling and dislodge accumulated mucus. Garlic can also be used as an antibacterial ointment. To make a garlic ointment, simply mix crushed garlic with olive oil and wax, and put them in a pan under low fire. Stir until consistency becomes thick and let it cool. The ointment can be applied to the ear using a cotton swab.
Lemon juice is also used as an ear-drop. Its acidic pH helps kill bacteria and dismantle stubborn mucus and hardened ear wax. Lemon juice also has vitamin C, which is effective in speeding up the healing process. Vinegar is a great cleansing and anti-bacterial solution. It is also used as an ear-drop like lemon juice and mashed garlic. However, it should be diluted with lukewarm water before application because its acetic acid content may irritate the sensitive lining of the ear.
Aromatic herbs like ginger and eucalyptus are equally great ear infection remedies. These herbs are commonly used for a home remedy called steaming. Steaming is done by draping a towel over the head and placing it over a bowl or a basin containing a mixture of hot, steaming water and herb extracts. Both the steam and the extracts of the herbs help ease congestion and other symptoms aggravating the condition.
Medications for Ear Infection
The types of medications used to manage ear infections are anti-pyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and steroid. The main symptoms of an ear infection are fever, earache, and ear discharges. Fever typically ranges from 38° to 42° Celsius. Tepid sponge baths are initially done but if these do not control the fever, anti-pyretic medications are used. Acetaminophen is the safest choice and can be used for as long as two weeks without the risk of overdosing or toxicity. Healthcare providers usually instruct patients to take acetaminophen every four to six hours or as needed.
Inflammation and ear pain go hand in hand. Once inflammation aggravates, it causes pressure inside the ears which can lead to earache. Acetaminophen is also a great anti-inflammatory and analgesic, but it is only effective in managing mild to mildly moderate earache. For severe ear pain, ibuprofen is the best choice. Aspirin may also be given to reduce inflammation and manage pain. However, because it is also an effective anti-coagulant, people with bleeding problems should be careful when taking aspirin.
Most healthcare providers will prescribe an antibiotic together with a steroid medication to address the infection. Depending on the case’s severity, doctors may give one or more antibiotics and steroids to manage the condition. Neomycin is the antibiotic of choice while Hydrocortisone is the type of steroid used for ear infections. Penicillin and Cephalosporin may also be added to the treatment if the infection has become widespread.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery for this condition is minor and is on an out-patient basis. Surgical intervention often means placing a drainage tube inside the ear’s tympanic membrane. The patient is under general anesthesia. The operation involves cutting a small opening in the tympanic membrane and placing a drainage tube in that opening. The tube drains excess mucus, fluid, and other debris. This helps in relieving the symptoms of an ear infection.
Recurring infections can be caused by malfunctioning adenoids or tonsils. If these are the culprits, the surgeon may recommend a partial or a complete adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy. Children under the age of three typically do not have their tonsils taken out unless it is blocking the nasal pathways. This type of operation may need a longer recovery time. Patients are discharged five to seven days after the surgery.
Remember to:
- Dry your ears regularly
- Don’t stick anything inside your ears
- If you experience pain in your ears, go see a doctor immediately
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