Get rid of an ear infection before it gets worse

Common and extremely painful, it's understandable why getting rid of an ear infection is a high priority. Discover your best options for relief.

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and is the mechanism that allows fluid to drain from the middle ear.

• When colds, allergies and other infections cause the lining of the eustachian tube to become infected with bacteria or viruses, it swells and thick mucus forms, blocking the middle ear fluid from draining normally.
• The pressure of this fluid will cause you to feel pain behind the eardrum. This type of ear infection is called otitis media.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal.

• Excess water from frequent swimming or showering reduces the protective ear wax in your ears setting up the perfect moist environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

In children

• Children with ear infections may tug or pull at one of their ears, have difficulty sleeping and cry more than usual.
• They may also have a loss of appetite, trouble hearing, and you may notice drainage from the ear.
• An older child may complain of a headache and ear pain especially when lying down.
• Fevers, of 100 F (38 C) or higher, are common in children with ear infections.

In adults

• Adults with ear infections may notice diminished hearing and have pain and drainage.

Over the counter pain relievers are helpful for reducing fever and pain.

• But talk with your doctor before giving this type of medication to your children.
• Prescription ear drops containing benzocaine may be prescribed by your doctor for additional pain relief, but doctors do not recommend using benzocaine drops on children younger than two years old because of serious side effects in young children.
• Also, you can try placing a moist washcloth over the ear to help with discomfort.

Doctors often recommend ear tubes for children who have fluid buildup and recurrent middle ear infections.

• This tiny tube, surgically inserted into the eardrum, allows fluid to drain from the middle ear.
• Ear tubes are either removed or fall out on their own after six months to a year and the tiny hole in the eardrum heals.

For swimmer’s ear, doctors usually prescribe ear-drops that contain antibiotics to treat the infection and medicine to help alleviate swelling and itching.

• You’ll want to follow your doctor’s directions carefully and keep your ear as dry as you can for seven to 10 days.
• Avoid rubbing, scratching or putting anything other than your prescribed ear-drops in your ear.

An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important whenever you or your children have ear pain.

• With treatment, most ear infections should begin to get better in about three days and be completely gone in one to two weeks.
• If pain and symptoms persist, call your doctor to avoid any long-term complications.