Ear Infection Help

An ear infection is a general term used to describe inflammation, pain and infection. A blockage in the middle ear, known as the auditory tube, can cause bacteria to build up and become infected. Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses. For adults, swimmer's ear, which affects the ear canal, occurs more often than an infection of the middle ear. Most ear infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Diagnosing the Problem

• According to the Mayo Clinic, swimmer's ear is most likely to occur when your ears are exposed to excess moisture. Swimmer's ear is not limited to people who swim, as the name seems to indicate; anyone whose ears are exposed to moisture can develop this condition. Prompt treatment of this condition is crucial; postponement will put you at risk of developing serious complications or an infection.

  The first sign to indicate a possible infection is itching and redness in your ear canal, discomfort, or an odorless fluid draining from your ear. Signs that the infection has progressed are excess fluid drainage, pus, worsening pain, a feeling of 'fullness' or pressure in your ear and difficulty hearing.

Treating an Ear Infection

• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a simple approach for treating an earache: wait and see. For pain, your pediatrician can prescribe numbing drops or over-the-counter pain relievers. But before using an antibiotic, doctors are more willing to let the body's immune system fix the problem. For swimmer's ear, the Mayo Clinic recommends cleaning your ears and medication to prevent infection and reduce pain. Your doctor can use a suction tool to remove discharge, earwax and flaked skin. Cleaning also allows medications to get into the infected area. Your doctor may prescribe an acidic solution that provides the normal acidic and antibacterial environment that your ear would typically create. A steroid can reduce inflammation. Antibiotics are used to fight the infection and an antifungal drug will kill fungus.

Prevention

• While you or your child has an ear infection, you'll want to avoid flying and swimming. If your ear is releasing discharge, don't use earplugs and talk to your doctor about whether you should wear your hearing aid. During showers and baths, coat your ear with petroleum jelly to prevent water from accumulating in your ear canal. Keep your ears dry by gently swabbing with a towel or cotton ball after a bath, shower or swim. If you feel water in your ear, tip your head to the side and gently bob it up and down until you feel the water release. Never put a foreign object inside your ear---even if you feel hardened earwax. If your ears feel irritated by wax, talk to your doctor first. Put cotton balls in your ears when using hair dye and hair spray.