How to Cure an Ear Infection (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Ear infection (also known as otitis media) is a fairly common problem in babies and children, but it can also affect adults. Nearly 90% of children have at least one ear infection before they turn three. It is a condition that can become very painful due to the accumulation of fluids that creates pressure on the eardrum. Many otitis media can be treated directly at home with home remedies, but in severe cases or when the infection affects a very young child, it may be necessary to take antibiotics prescribed by the doctor to completely eradicate it.

Steps

Part 1 of 6: Recognizing the Infection

Step 1. Know who is at greater risk of ear infection

In general, it is children who are more likely to suffer from otitis media than adults. This is because the Eustachian tubes (the tubes that from the middle of each ear reach the back of the throat) are smaller in children and therefore more prone to fill with fluid. In addition, children also have a weaker immune system than adults and may be more prone to viral infections such as colds. Anything that blocks the ear canals can cause otitis. Be aware, however, that there are other risk factors that can facilitate the development of this infection, including:

• Allergies;
• Respiratory infections such as colds and sinus infections
• Infection or problems with the adenoids (lymphatic tissue in the upper throat area)
• Tobacco smoke;
• Excessive mucus or saliva production, as often occurs during teething
• Living in a cold climate;
• Sudden changes in altitude or climate;
• Feeding with artificial milk;
• Recent illnesses;
• Attend a nursery, especially a rather large daycare center, with many children.

Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of a middle ear infection

This infection, also called acute otitis media, is the most common and is caused by a virus or bacterium. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum that contains tiny bones that transmit vibrations to the inner ear. When the area fills with fluid, bacteria and viruses can enter and cause an infection. Otitis usually develops after a respiratory infection such as a cold, although severe allergies can also cause it. The main symptoms are:

• Ear pain or ear pain
• Feeling of fullness in the ear;
• General malaise;
• He retched;
• Diarrhea;
• Hearing loss in the infected ear
• Tinnitus;
• Dizziness;
• Fluid leaking from the ear
• Fever, especially in children.

Step 3. Understand the difference between a middle ear infection and "swimmer's ear"

Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa or "external ear infection" affects the external ear canal due to the presence of bacteria or fungi. Humidity is the main cause of this type of disease (which is why it is called the swimmer), but scratches or foreign objects that have entered the ear canal can also cause this problem. Symptoms typically begin mild but often get worse and include:

• Itching in the ear canal;
• Redness of the inner ear area
• Discomfort that worsens when you pull or push the outer ear
• Fluid leaking from the ears (initially light in color and odorless to pus).

• Among the most serious symptoms it is possible to find:

  • Feeling of fullness or obstruction of the ear
  • Hearing reduction;
  • Severe pain that radiates outward to the face or neck
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
  • Fever.

  

  Step 4. Look for signs of otitis in children

  Children may experience different symptoms than older children and adults. Since children are often unable to describe their discomfort, pay attention to these behaviors:

  • They jerk, pull, or scratch the ear;
  • They constantly move their heads;
  • They are annoyed, irritated, or cry all the time;
  • They sleep badly;
  • Have a fever (especially infants and very young children);
  • Fluid leaks from the ear;
  • They are clumsy in their movements or have problems with balance;
  • They have hearing problems.

  

  Step 5. Know when to see a doctor right away

  Most ear infections can be treated at home, often with success. However, if you or your children have any symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include:

  • Blood or pus draining from the ear (may appear white, yellow, green, or pink / red)
  • Persistent high fever, especially if it is more than 39 ° C;
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Stiff neck;
  • Tinnitus;
  • Pain or swelling behind or around the ear
  • Ear pain lasts more than 48 hours.

  Part 2 of 6: Medical Care

  

  Step 1. Take your baby to the doctor if he is under six months old

  If you notice any symptoms of ear infection in a newborn, you should immediately take them to the pediatrician. Children this young have not yet fully developed their immune systems and are at a much higher risk of contracting serious infections; so they will certainly have to take antibiotics immediately.

  Do not try to cure the infection of infants and very young children with home remedies. Always contact your pediatrician to find the most appropriate therapy

  

  Step 2. Let the doctor examine your child's ears or yours

  If you are concerned that you or your baby have a severe ear infection, be prepared to undergo various tests, including:

  • A visual examination of the eardrum with an otoscope. It can be difficult to hold the baby still during this exam, but it is an important test to determine if there is an infection.
  • An exam to check for any material that blocks or fills the middle ear using a pneumatic otoscope, which blows some air into the eardrum causing it to move back and forth. If fluid is present, the eardrum does not move as easily or readily as would normally be expected, thus indicating the likely presence of an infection.
  • An exam with a tympanometer, which uses sound and pressure to check for fluid in the middle ear.
  • If the infection is chronic or a severe case, you will need to see an audiologist to perform a hearing test and determine if a loss of this sense has occurred.

  

  Step 3. Be prepared for the doctor to examine the eardrum more closely if the infection is persistent or chronic

  If you or your child begin to feel profoundly unwell due to ear problems, the doctor may create an opening in the eardrum and extract a sample of fluid from the middle ear. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

  

  Step 4. Be aware that many ear infections can be treated at home

  Many ear infections resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. Some disappear within a few days, but still most subside spontaneously within 1-2 weeks, even without any therapy. In the USA, the American Academy of Pediatrics (the association of pediatric doctors) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (the association of family doctors) recommend a "wait-and-see" approach following these guidelines:

  • For infants 6 to 23 months of age: wait to understand the evolution of the infection if the inner ear pain is mild, lasts less than 48 hours and the temperature is below 39 ° C.
  • For 2-year-olds: It is recommended to wait if the pain in one or both inner ears is mild, has lasted for less than 48 hours and the temperature is below 39 ° C.
  • After 48 hours, if the problem persists, it is important to consult a doctor. An antibiotic will often be given to prevent the spread of otitis and reduce the risk of further potentially life-threatening (albeit rare) infections.
  • Although rarely, some more serious complications can develop, including mastoiditis (an infection of the bones around the skull), meningitis, spread of the infection to the brain, or even hearing loss.

  

  Step 5. Be very careful when flying with a child who has an ear infection

  If your child has active infection, they are at greater risk of suffering from a disorder called barotrauma, which can occur when the middle ear tries to balance pressure changes. Chewing gum while taking off or landing can reduce this risk.

  If you have a baby with an ear infection, bottle-feed him during takeoff and landing to help regulate the pressure in the middle ear

  Part 3 of 6: Treating the Pain of Infection at Home

  

  Step 1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers

  You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain doesn't go away on its own or if you don't develop other symptoms. These medications can also help reduce your child's fever and make him feel a little better.

  • Never give aspirin to children under the age of 18, as this drug has been associated with Reye's syndrome, which causes severe brain and liver damage.
  • Administer pediatric dosage medications when they are intended for your baby. Follow the directions for posology that are on the package or informed by your pediatrician.
  • Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age.

  

  Step 2. Apply a warm compress

  A heat source on the area helps reduce the pain caused by the infection. You can use a warm damp cloth.

  • Alternatively, you can stuff a clean sock with rice or beans and tie or sew the open end. Place the sock in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the rice reaches the desired temperature. Apply the compress to your ear.
  • You can also use salt as a natural remedy. Heat a cup of salt and place it in a cloth. Tie it with a rubber band and rest it on the affected ear for 5-10 minutes, when the heat is bearable, while lying down.
  • Rest it on the painful area no more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

  

  Step 3. Get plenty of rest

  The body needs rest to heal from infections. Make sure you don't ask too much of your body and don't overdo it during the active phase of otitis, especially if you also have a fever.

  Pediatricians usually don't recommend keeping your child home from school for an ear infection unless he has a fever. Either way, be sure to check his activities to make sure he's getting enough rest

  

  Step 4. Stay hydrated

  You need to drink more fluids, especially if you have a fever.

  Researchers recommend drinking at least 3 liters of fluid per day if you are a male, and at least 2.2 liters if you are female

  

  Step 5. Try to perform the Valsalva maneuver only if you are not experiencing any pain

  This is a technique that can be used to open the Eustachian tubes and relieve the "plugged" ear sensation that often accompanies otitis in its active phase. Be sure to perform the maneuver only if you are not experiencing ear pain at the moment.

  • Take a deep breath and close your mouth.
  • Squeeze the nostrils to close the nose and, when it is closed tightly, "blow" from the nose gently.
  • Don't blow too hard, though, or you could damage the eardrum. At this point you should hear a "pop" in your ears, a sign that they have opened.

  

  Step 6. Put a few drops of warm mullein or garlic oil in your ear

  Both of these oils are natural antibiotics and can provide pain relief from infection. Use a dropper to instill 2-3 drops of warm (never hot) oil into each ear.

  Always consult your pediatrician before trying these remedies on babies

  

  Step 7. Try a natural remedy

  Research has found that a herbal remedy, especially olive oil, garlic and mullein, can be helpful in reducing the pain caused by otitis media.

  Always consult your doctor before applying this remedy. Do not give your baby alternative medications without first seeking advice from the pediatrician

  Part 4 of 6: Keeping the Situation Under Observation

  

  Step 1. Monitor the condition of the ear carefully

  Often measure your child's fever or that of your child and pay attention to any other symptoms that may occur.

  • If you develop a fever and notice flu-like symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, the infection may have worsened and the home treatments you are using may not be effective enough.
  • Symptoms that should prompt you to go to the doctor include: confusion, stiffness and swelling of the neck, pain or redness around the ear. These symptoms indicate that the infection may have spread and that you need immediate treatment.

  

  Step 2. Pay attention if you experience severe ear pain that subsides almost immediately without any pain

  This could mean that the eardrum is ruptured and, in this case, it can cause temporary hearing loss. A ruptured eardrum makes the ear more susceptible to infection, making the situation even worse.

  • In addition to the absence of pain, you may also notice fluid leaking from the ear.
  • Although a ruptured eardrum usually heals within a couple of weeks, even without treatment, some problems may persist and require medical intervention or treatment.

  

  Step 3. Call your doctor if the pain gets worse within 48 hours

  Although most practitioners recommend a "wait-and-see" approach up to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, if the pain increases during this time, you should contact your doctor. He will be able to recommend more effective treatment or even prescribe antibiotics.

  

  Step 4. Get yourself or your child for a hearing test if fluid continues to form inside the ear even three months after the onset of otitis

  This can be a problem related to significant hearing disorders.

  • Sometimes, momentary hearing loss (hearing loss) can occur, especially in children up to two years of age.
  • If your child is under the age of 2 and is prone to frequent accumulations of fluid in the ears, as well as other hearing disorders, the doctor will not wait three months to start treatment. Hearing problems that arise at this age may affect the child's ability to speak, as well as other developmental difficulties.

  Part 5 of 6: Antibiotics and other Medical Treatments

  

  Step 1. Get a prescription from your doctor for antibiotics

  Antibiotics do not cure an ear infection if it is caused by a virus, therefore they are not always prescribed in the treatment of otitis media. In any case, all children under the age of 6 months are treated with antibiotics.

  • Tell your doctor the date of the last antibiotic intake and their type; this way you help your doctor choose the one that works best for you.
  • Make sure you or your child take all doses of the drug on schedule to avoid possible relapses.
  • Do not stop taking antibiotics until you have completed the full course as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. If you stop the antibiotic treatment prematurely, you may not kill all the bacteria, which would become resistant to the drug, making it even more difficult to treat this type of infection.

  

  Step 2. Ask your doctor to prescribe ear drops

  Ear drops, such as antipyrine-benzocaine-glycerin (Auralgan), can help relieve pain caused by otitis media. However, be aware that your doctor will not prescribe ear drops if you have torn or perforated eardrums.

  • To give the drops to a child, first warm the solution by placing the vial in hot water or holding it in your hands for a few minutes. Have the baby lie down on a flat surface with the infected ear facing up towards you. Make sure you give him the recommended dosage. Have the baby keep his head tilted with the infected ear up for about 2 minutes.
  • Since benzocaine causes numbness, it is best if you have someone else help you administer the drops into your ears. Avoid letting the dropper touch infected ears.
  • Benzocaine can cause mild itching or redness. In addition, it has also been associated with a rare but serious disease that affects blood oxygen levels. Never give more than the recommended amount and consult your pediatrician to make sure you are giving the right dosage to your child.

  

  Step 3. Consult your doctor about trans-tympanic ventilation tubes if you have recurrent ear infections

  Ear infections that recur frequently can be treated with a procedure called myringotomy. Recurring means that there have been three episodes in the past six months or four episodes in the previous year, with at least one recurrence in the past six months. Individuals with an ear infection that does not go away after treatment are also good candidates for this procedure.

  Myringotomy, which is the surgical incision of the eardrum membrane, is a procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon inserts small tubes into the eardrum so that the fluids behind it can drain more easily. The eardrum typically closes again when the tube is dropped or removed

  

  Step 4. Discuss with your doctor about having an adenoidectomy to remove swollen adenoids

  If your adenoids, which are masses of tissue behind your nasal cavity, swell often, you may need surgery to remove them.

  Part 6 of 6: Prevention

  

  Step 1. Respect the deadlines for vaccine boosters

  Many serious bacterial infections can be prevented with vaccinations. Seasonal flu vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines typically help reduce episodes of otitis media.

  • You and each member of your family should get vaccinated against the flu every year, as the vaccine protects you and defends you better against infections.
  • Experts recommend vaccinating children with PCV13: 13 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Ask your pediatrician for advice on this.

  

  Step 2. Keep your child's hands, toys and playing surfaces clean

  Wash your child's hands and toys often and clean the areas where he spends most of his time to reduce the risk of infection.

  

  Step 3. Avoid giving him a pacifier if possible

  Pacifiers can transmit all kinds of bacteria, including those responsible for otitis media.

  

  Step 4. Breastfeed, rather than bottle-fed

  Bacteria can be transmitted more easily by bottle feeding and, as a result, the chances of infections are increased.

  • Breastfeeding also strengthens the baby's immune system and helps it fight infections more easily.
  • If you absolutely must bottle-feed your baby, make the baby stand as upright as possible so that the milk flows into the esophagus and does not go into the ears.
  • Never bottle-feed a baby when he is lying down for a nap or sleeping at night.

  

  Step 5. Reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke

  This is an important step, both for preventing possible ear infections, but also for overall health and safety.

  

  Step 6. Don't abuse antibiotics

  Prolonged use of these drugs facilitates the resistance of certain bacteria in your body or that of your child and in this way they are no longer killed by the drugs. Make sure you only take them if your doctor prescribes them or when you can't put other solutions in place.

  

  Step 7. Don't send your child to kindergarten or take precautions

  In these facilities, children are 50% more likely to develop otitis media due to the easy transmission of infections, bacterial and viral.

  • If you can't avoid sending him to kindergarten, teach him some tactics to try to avoid the spread of infections, such as colds, which can worsen to ear infections.
  • Teach your child not to put toys or fingers in their mouths. He should also avoid touching his face and mucosal areas such as the mouth, eyes and nose with his hands. Make sure you always wash your hands after eating and after going to the bathroom.

  

  Step 8. Eat a healthy diet that includes probiotics

  Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to help your body stay strong and healthy. Research has also found that "good" bacteria such as probiotics are capable of defending the body against infection.