How do you get rid of middle ear infection?

Treatment for middle ear infection (otitis media)

Most middle ear infections clear up on their own without needing antibiotics. See a GP if your child's symptoms are bad or don't get better after 2 or 3 days.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is:

- severe or long-lasting

- accompanied by a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

- causing pain that does not get better with over-the-counter painkillers

Rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help relieve the symptoms of middle ear infection.

A warm flannel against the ear may also help relieve pain. For children, make sure the water isn't too hot - test it on your own skin first.

Self-care tips

- get plenty of rest

- drink lots of fluids

- use over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve pain

- apply a warm flannel to your ear – never use a hot water bottle or heat pad, because these can cause serious burns

Ear drops

Over-the-counter ear drops that contain local anaesthetic can numb pain and help the ear drum heal. Ask your pharmacist for advice about which ear drops might be suitable for you.

You should not use ear drops if your ear drum has burst.

GP treatment

Antibiotics may be prescribed for middle ear infections that are severe, long-lasting or causing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter painkillers.

The antibiotics most commonly used for middle ear infections are:

- amoxicillin or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid

- trimethoprim

- erythromycin

There is no need to finish a course of antibiotics if the infection clears up, but you should not stop taking them without first speaking to your GP.

For some people, antibiotics can cause diarrhoea or nausea. Tell your GP if you have any side effects from your antibiotic.

Pain relief

Your GP may also recommend using additional painkillers, such as codeine or morphine.

Pain relief should usually only be used short term and at the lowest dose that is effective, to help reduce the risk of side effects.

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes needed to treat middle ear infections that do not clear up with antibiotics.

The type of surgery performed will depend on the specific problem.

Preventing ear infections

Some simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of middle ear infections, such as:

- not smoking

- encouraging your child to avoid putting things in their ears

- keeping your child's ears dry when swimming

- washing your hands and your child's hands regularly, especially after nose blowing

- breastfeeding your baby if possible

- avoiding exposing your child to secondhand smoke