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Ear Infection Healing

Middle ear infections are one of the most common illnesses during childhood; adults get them less often. Outer ear infections are more common in adults. Several treatment strategies are available to ease the discomfort.

  1. Middle Ear Infection Standard Treatment

    • Most of the time, a middle ear infection will clear up on its own in a few days. If your child has an ear infection, your doctor typically will not prescribe antibiotics for the first three days of the infection if your child is older than six months, generally healthy or is experiencing only mild symptoms. If you are an adult, wait the same amount of time before seeking treatment as your infection is also likely to clear up. If drainage is a problem, your doctor might prescribe eardrops that contain a numbing medication. They will not address the infection but can relieve the pain. Over-the-counter medication and warm compresses over the infected ear can also alleviate pain.

      Your doctor will give you or your child antibiotics if the infection persists beyond the three-day period, if the child is younger than six months months old or if two or more ear infections have occurred in the last month. Amoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed medication, but others are available if you or your child are allergic to it.

      Finish the whole course of antibiotics prescribed to prevent the infection from coming back. You should see an improvement after a few days of treatment. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reaction.

      Surgery might be necessary if fluid is affecting hearing or if recurrent infections do not respond to medication. Adults rarely need this measure. The surgeon will put small drainage tubes in the eardrum, helping remove the fluid and balance the pressure between the middle and outer ear.

    Outer Ear Infection Standard Treatment

    • The first step in treatment involves cleaning out the ear. The doctor will choose from a variety of devices to clear out discharge, ear wax or any other debris. This clears the way for medication to reach the infected areas. You will receive prescription eardrops consisting of a number of ingredients depending on the nature of the infection. The drops might include an acidic solution, steroids to reduce inflammation, or antibiotics or antifungals depending on the origin of the infection. Be sure to lay down with the infected ear facing up when using the drops. Oral antibiotics are required for more serious infections or those that do not respond to standard treatment.

      During treatment, avoid irritating the ear or getting it wet. Do not swim or fly during an active infection. Place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear when you are bathing or showering.

    Natural Therapy

    • If you have an outer ear infection, the first step in treatment involves cleaning out the ear. The doctor will choose from a variety of devices to clear out discharge, ear wax or any other debris. This clears the way for medication to reach the infected areas. You will receive prescription eardrops consisting of a number of ingredients depending on the nature of the infection. The drops might include an acidic solution, steroids to reduce inflammation, or antibiotics or antifungals depending on the origin of the infection. Be sure to lay down with the infected ear facing up when using the drops. Oral antibiotics are required for more serious infections or those that do not respond to standard treatment.

      During treatment, avoid irritating the ear or getting it wet. Do not swim or fly during an active infection. Place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear when you are bathing or showering.

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