How is a middle ear infection diagnosed. What are the treatment options for ear infections. When should antibiotics be used for ear infections. How can ear infection pain be managed at home. What are the potential complications of untreated ear infections.

Understanding Middle Ear Infections: Causes and Symptoms

Middle ear infections, medically known as otitis media, are common ailments that affect both children and adults. These infections occur in the air-filled space behind the eardrum, known as the middle ear. Understanding the causes and symptoms of middle ear infections is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.

What causes middle ear infections?

Middle ear infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses. They often develop following a cold, flu, or allergies. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, can become swollen or blocked, leading to fluid buildup and creating an environment conducive to infection.

Common symptoms of middle ear infections

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Difficulty hearing or muffled hearing
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• Loss of balance
• Irritability in young children
• Tugging or pulling at the ear

Are ear infections more common in children? Yes, ear infections are more prevalent in children due to their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which make it easier for bacteria and viruses to reach the middle ear.

Diagnostic Techniques for Middle Ear Infections

Accurate diagnosis of middle ear infections is essential for proper treatment. Healthcare providers use various diagnostic techniques to confirm the presence of an infection and determine its severity.

Visual examination with an otoscope

The primary tool used for diagnosing ear infections is the otoscope. This lighted instrument allows doctors to visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum. During the examination, the doctor looks for signs of inflammation, fluid buildup, or a bulging eardrum.

Pneumatic otoscopy: Assessing eardrum mobility

Pneumatic otoscopy is an advanced diagnostic technique that involves using a special otoscope to puff air against the eardrum. This procedure helps assess the mobility of the eardrum, which can indicate the presence of fluid in the middle ear. Reduced movement of the eardrum suggests fluid accumulation, a common sign of middle ear infection.

Additional diagnostic tests

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis or evaluate the extent of the infection:

1. Tympanometry: Measures eardrum movement and middle ear pressure
2. Acoustic reflectometry: Assesses fluid buildup by measuring sound reflection from the eardrum
3. Tympanocentesis: A rare procedure involving fluid extraction from the middle ear for laboratory analysis
4. Hearing tests: May be recommended for recurrent or chronic ear infections

How accurate are these diagnostic techniques? While visual examination and pneumatic otoscopy are highly effective in diagnosing most ear infections, additional tests can provide more precise information in complex cases or when standard methods are inconclusive.

Types of Middle Ear Infections: Acute, Chronic, and Effusive

Middle ear infections can be categorized into different types based on their duration, symptoms, and characteristics. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

Acute otitis media (AOM)

Acute otitis media is the most common type of middle ear infection. It is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and irritability. AOM typically involves fluid buildup in the middle ear accompanied by signs of infection.

Otitis media with effusion (OME)

Otitis media with effusion occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear without active infection. This condition may develop after an acute ear infection or due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. While OME may not cause severe pain, it can lead to hearing difficulties.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a long-term condition characterized by persistent ear infection and a perforated eardrum. This type of infection often results in ongoing drainage from the ear and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Can middle ear infections resolve on their own? While some mild cases of acute otitis media may resolve without treatment, chronic or severe infections typically require medical intervention to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Treatment Approaches for Middle Ear Infections

The treatment of middle ear infections depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and overall health. Healthcare providers may recommend different approaches based on individual circumstances.

The wait-and-see approach

For mild cases of acute otitis media, especially in older children and adults, a wait-and-see approach may be recommended. This involves monitoring the infection for 48 to 72 hours before initiating antibiotic treatment. Many ear infections clear up on their own within this timeframe.

Antibiotic therapy

Antibiotics are prescribed for severe or persistent ear infections, particularly in young children or those with a high risk of complications. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Pain management techniques

Relieving pain is an essential aspect of ear infection treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort. In some cases, doctors may prescribe anesthetic ear drops for additional pain relief.

When are antibiotics necessary for ear infections? Antibiotics are typically prescribed for severe infections, infections in young children (under 6 months), or when symptoms persist or worsen after 48 to 72 hours of observation.

Home Remedies and Supportive Care for Ear Infections

In addition to medical treatments, various home remedies and supportive care measures can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery from middle ear infections.

Warm compresses for pain relief

Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce pain and discomfort. This simple technique can be particularly soothing for children experiencing ear pain.

Elevation and rest

Keeping the head elevated while resting or sleeping can help drain fluid from the Eustachian tubes, potentially reducing pressure and pain in the ear.

Hydration and nasal decongestion

Staying well-hydrated and using saline nasal sprays can help keep the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes clear, promoting better drainage and reducing the risk of fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Avoiding irritants

Protecting the ears from irritants such as cigarette smoke or cold air can help prevent further inflammation and discomfort during the healing process.

Are natural remedies effective for treating ear infections? While some natural remedies may provide symptomatic relief, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially for severe or persistent infections.

Potential Complications of Untreated Ear Infections

While many ear infections resolve without complications, untreated or recurrent infections can lead to more serious health issues. Understanding these potential complications underscores the importance of proper medical care.

Hearing loss

Chronic or recurrent ear infections can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. This is particularly concerning in young children, as it can affect speech and language development.

Tympanic membrane perforation

Severe or untreated infections may cause the eardrum to rupture. While most perforations heal on their own, some may require surgical intervention.

Mastoiditis

In rare cases, the infection can spread to the mastoid bone behind the ear, causing a serious condition called mastoiditis. This complication requires immediate medical attention and often involves antibiotic treatment or surgery.

Speech and developmental delays

Chronic ear infections in young children can potentially lead to speech delays or other developmental issues due to prolonged periods of hearing impairment.

How can the risk of ear infection complications be minimized? Regular check-ups, prompt treatment of infections, and addressing underlying risk factors (such as allergies or frequent upper respiratory infections) can help reduce the risk of complications from ear infections.

Prevention Strategies for Middle Ear Infections

While not all ear infections can be prevented, certain strategies can help reduce the risk of developing middle ear infections or experiencing recurrent episodes.

Vaccination

Keeping up to date with vaccinations, particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and annual flu shots, can help prevent infections that might lead to ear problems.

Breastfeeding

For infants, breastfeeding has been shown to provide protective antibodies that can reduce the risk of ear infections.

Avoiding secondhand smoke

Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of ear infections, particularly in children. Creating a smoke-free environment is crucial for ear health.

Proper hand hygiene

Regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that may lead to upper respiratory infections and subsequent ear infections.

Addressing allergies

Managing allergies effectively can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, potentially lowering the risk of ear infections.

Can dietary changes help prevent ear infections? While there’s no definitive evidence linking specific diets to ear infection prevention, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can support overall immune function, potentially reducing the risk of infections.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for middle ear infections is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. By recognizing the signs early, seeking appropriate medical care, and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can minimize the impact of ear infections on their health and quality of life. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

Ear infection (middle ear) – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and an exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument (an otoscope) to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage. He or she will also likely listen to your child breathe with a stethoscope.

Pneumatic otoscope

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum. Normally, this puff of air would cause the eardrum to move. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, your doctor will observe little to no movement of the eardrum.

Additional tests

Your doctor may perform other tests if there is any doubt about a diagnosis, if the condition hasn’t responded to previous treatments, or if there are other long-term or serious problems.

• Tympanometry. This test measures the movement of the eardrum. The device, which seals off the ear canal, adjusts air pressure in the canal, which causes the eardrum to move. The device measures how well the eardrum moves and provides an indirect measure of pressure within the middle ear.
• Acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum — an indirect measure of fluids in the middle ear. Normally, the eardrum absorbs most of the sound. However, the more pressure there is from fluid in the middle ear, the more sound the eardrum will reflect.
• Tympanocentesis. Rarely, a doctor may use a tiny tube that pierces the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear — a procedure called tympanocentesis. The fluid is tested for viruses and bacteria. This can be helpful if an infection hasn’t responded well to previous treatments.
• Other tests. If your child has had multiple ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist), speech therapist or developmental therapist for tests of hearing, speech skills, language comprehension or developmental abilities.

What a diagnosis means

• Acute otitis media. The diagnosis of “ear infection” is generally shorthand for acute otitis media. Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she sees signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if symptoms started relatively suddenly.
• Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the doctor has found evidence of fluid in the middle ear, but there are presently no signs or symptoms of infection.
• Chronic suppurative otitis media. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media, he or she has found that a long-term ear infection resulted in tearing of the eardrum. This is usually associated with pus draining from the ear.

Treatment

Some ear infections resolve without antibiotic treatment. What’s best for your child depends on many factors, including your child’s age and the severity of symptoms.

A wait-and-see approach

Symptoms of ear infections usually improve within the first couple of days, and most infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a wait-and-see approach as one option for:

• Children 6 to 23 months with mild middle ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)
• Children 24 months and older with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)

Some evidence suggests that treatment with antibiotics might be helpful for certain children with ear infections. On the other hand, using antibiotics too often can cause bacteria to become resistant to the medicine. Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of using antibiotics.

Managing pain

Your doctor will advise you on treatments to lessen pain from an ear infection. These may include the following:

• Pain medication. Your doctor may advise the use of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to relieve pain. Use the drugs as directed on the label. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin because aspirin has been linked with Reye’s syndrome. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
• Anesthetic drops. These may be used to relieve pain if the eardrum doesn’t have a hole or tear in it.

Antibiotic therapy

After an initial observation period, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment for an ear infection in the following situations:

• Children 6 months and older with moderate to severe ear pain in one or both ears for at least 48 hours or a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher
• Children 6 to 23 months with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102. 2 F (39 C)
• Children 24 months and older with mild middle ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)

Children younger than 6 months of age with confirmed acute otitis media are more likely to be treated with antibiotics without the initial observational waiting time.

Even after symptoms have improved, be sure to use the antibiotic as directed. Failing to take all the medicine can lead to recurring infection and resistance of bacteria to antibiotic medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you accidentally miss a dose.

Ear tubes

If your child has certain conditions, your child’s doctor may recommend a procedure to drain fluid from the middle ear. If your child has repeated, long-term ear infections (chronic otitis media) or continuous fluid buildup in the ear after an infection cleared up (otitis media with effusion), your child’s doctor may suggest this procedure.

During an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy, a surgeon creates a tiny hole in the eardrum that enables him or her to suction fluids out of the middle ear. A tiny tube (tympanostomy tube) is placed in the opening to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent the buildup of more fluids. Some tubes are intended to stay in place for four to 18 months and then fall out on their own. Other tubes are designed to stay in longer and may need to be surgically removed.

The eardrum usually closes up again after the tube falls out or is removed.

Tympanostomy tubes

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, pressure equalization tubes) are tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum. An ear tube creates an airway that ventilates the middle ear and prevents the accumulation of fluids behind the eardrum.

Treatment for chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic infection that results in a hole or tear in the eardrum — called chronic suppurative otitis media — is difficult to treat. It’s often treated with antibiotics administered as drops. You may receive instructions on how to suction fluids out through the ear canal before administering drops.

Monitoring

Children who have frequent infections or who have persistent fluid in the middle ear will need to be monitored closely. Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule follow-up appointments. Your doctor may recommend regular hearing and language tests.

More Information

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Preparing for your appointment

You’ll likely begin by seeing your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician. You may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders if the problem has persisted for some time, is not responding to treatment or has occurred frequently.

If your child is old enough to respond, before your appointment talk to the child about questions the doctor may ask and be prepared to answer questions on behalf of your child. Questions for adults will address most of the same issues.

• What signs or symptoms have you noticed?
• When did the symptoms begin?
• Is there ear pain? How would you describe the pain — mild, moderate or severe?
• Have you observed possible signs of pain in your infant or toddler, such as ear pulling, difficulty sleeping or unusual irritability?
• Has your child had a fever?
• Has there been any discharge from the ear? Is the discharge clear, cloudy or bloody?
• Have you observed any hearing impairment? Does your child respond to quiet sounds? Does your older child ask “What?” frequently?
• Has your child recently had a cold, flu or other respiratory symptoms?
• Does your child have seasonal allergies?
• Has your child had an ear infection in the past? When?
• Is your child allergic to any medication, such as amoxicillin?

Earache & Ear Infections | Centre Pediatrics

What is Acute Otitis Media? (from Stan L. Block, MD; https://www.pediatricweb.com/webpost/iframe/MedicalConditions_433.asp?tArticleId=128)

“Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, generally caused by bacteria. In acute otitis media (i.e., an ear infection or an infection of the middle ear), pus and infected fluid accumulate in the middle ear space.

The tympanic membrane (eardrum) appears inflamed, reddened, and often protrudes outward. Usually, an ear infection begins after the eustachian tube (a small tube connecting the back of the nose to the middle ear space) has become swollen, congested, and closed, most commonly resulting from an ongoing viral respiratory infection.

Acute otitis media should not be confused with: 1) external otitis (“swimmer’s ear”)-a painful bacterial infection of the superficial skin of the ear canal, or 2) otitis media with effusion (secretory otitis or “fluid ears”)-an accumulation of non-inflamed fluid behind the eardrum.”

Pain and Acute Otitis Media:
When the air-containing chamber behind the eardrum fills with fluid or pus during an earache, pressure builds up against the eardrum causing pain, sometimes severe. Not all ear pain is an ear infection. Pain can be a sign of congestion which normally builds up when a child has a cold. Parents wonder if they need to rush to the emergency room when this pain situation occurs at night. The important immediate treatment is pain relief. A weight-based dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), sleeping upright, and a warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear usually helps within 30-45 minutes.

To Treat or Not To Treat?
Roughly 50%-60 % of ear infections are caused by viral agents and will not respond to antibiotic therapy. Most ear infections caused by bacteria will resolve without antibiotic therapy. Only a small percentage of ear infections will require antibiotic therapy for a cure and these are most typically seen in children under the age of 2y. The evidence further suggests that symptoms, primarily pain, are only shortened by one day in children who are treated with antibiotics, and this pain can be relieved by analgesics such as Tylenol and Motrin/Advil. As a result, there has been much discussion as to the necessity for the use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis media in children.

A concern about the rising rates of antibiotic resistance and the growing cost of prescription antibiotics has caused the medical community and the general public to focus attention on the need for judicial use of antibiotic therapy. Acute otitis media is the most common infection for which antibacterial agents are prescribed for children in the United States. The greater increase in resistance among the bacteria that cause ear infections has led to an increase in the use of broader spectrum and generally more expensive antibiotics. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians Subcommittee on Management of Acute Otitis Media has recommended an observation without the use of antibiotics for uncomplicated acute otitis media in otherwise healthy children over the age of 6 months. This observation option refers to deferring antibiotics for 48 to 72 hours and limiting management to symptom/pain relief using analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If pain persists and/or fever is present after the observation period, antibiotic therapy may be initiated.

If your child is experiencing ear pain, you should treat the pain as suggested above. If your infant has had a cold and now has a fever, seems to have pain and sleep disruption, he/she may have an ear infection.  Please call our office to schedule a sick visit or to speak to the provider on call after hours. You may also bring your child to our walk-in hour from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on non-holiday weekdays.

Help for ear pain

Contents

• Causes of ear pain
• Otitis media as a common cause of ear pain
• First aid for ear pain
• First aid for ear pain 900 06

Acute pain in the ear always causes severe discomfort. Until you get to the otolaryngologist for an appointment, and the drugs prescribed by him begin to work, you will need reliable and safe ways to eliminate the painful symptom. What is the first aid for ear pain?

Contents

Causes of ear pain

Both the course of treatment prescribed by an otolaryngologist and first aid methods for ear pain will depend on what disease caused the painful symptom. The following pathological conditions can cause pain in the organ of hearing:

1. Pressure drops. If the auditory tube does not perform its function well, then during pressure drops (when diving and ascent, takeoff and landing, traveling by car or train), unpleasant sensations arise in the organ of hearing. The eardrum retracts inward, causing ear pain, pressure, and congestion.
2. Inflammatory processes of different locations. Otitis and inflammatory processes in all parts of the organ of hearing can lead to the occurrence of painful symptoms. So, boils, erysipelas and eczema may appear in the outer ear; on average – different forms of otitis, in the internal – labyrinthitis.
3. Acute pain in the ear can occur after injury to various parts of the hearing organ. Painful symptoms can manifest themselves due to improper hygiene of the auditory canal, the ingress of foreign bodies into it and the shocks suffered.
4. Inflammation of the parotid gland. The close location of this gland to the organ of hearing in the event of an abscess leads to the fact that patients begin to complain of severe pain in the ear.
5. Mastoiditis. One of the sections of the middle ear – the mastoid process of the temporal bone – can also undergo an inflammatory process that has become a complication of otitis media. During the course of the disease, patients complain of very intense ear pain.

Ear pain is not always associated with diseases and inflammatory processes in the organ of hearing.

Pathological conditions in other parts of the human body can provoke the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms:

pain in the ear may appear on the background of sinusitis, in which purulent masses press on the nerve receptors that transmit signals to the organ of hearing.

See also: By what signs can you understand that the baby has an earache?

Since a painful symptom can indicate various diseases related to different areas, only a specialist can establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment for the underlying pathology. If the otolaryngologist does not find the “ear” cause of the appeared pain in your hearing organ, he will redirect you to other narrow specialists – a dentist, neurologist, surgeon or therapist.

Otitis as a common cause of ear pain

Otitis is the most common cause of ear pain. These inflammatory processes can be localized in different parts of the organ of hearing, and then the nature of the pain and its accompanying symptoms will also differ.

Otitis externa

Inflammation of the external part of the ear develops mainly under the skin of the auricle or auditory canal. This otitis media usually leads to water entering the passage or when the integument is injured.

Ear pain in otitis externa is usually located closer to the exit of the auditory canal. As purulent masses accumulate under the skin, patients also note the appearance of itching, a feeling of pressure inside the hearing organ. If the tissues of the ear canal swell strongly and the lumen of the canal overlaps, there is also a feeling of stuffiness in the ear.

Otitis media

An acute inflammatory process affecting the tympanic cavity is always accompanied by excruciating sharp and shooting pain in the ear. Due to the fact that the mucous membrane of the middle ear is densely lined with nerve endings, the painful symptom becomes the very first signal that speaks of the development of the pathological process.

The disease, in addition to pain in the ear, is accompanied by increasing hearing loss, a feeling of congestion and pressure deep inside the organ.

Pain increases at rest, usually at night – this is due to an increase in exudate pressure on the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity.

Pain in the ear with otitis in acute form, as a rule, instantly disappears after the rupture of the eardrum under the pressure of purulent masses. But relief of symptoms does not mean the end of the disease – if at this stage the need for antibiotic therapy is ignored, the pathology can develop into a chronic form.

See also: Hearing aid for the elderly: selection rules

First aid for ear pain

First aid for ear pain will be different depending on what pathological condition caused the appearance of this unpleasant symptom.

Pressure Drop First Aid

Earache caused by pressure drop can be relieved by simple techniques to reposition the eardrum:

• Chew gum;
• swallow saliva several times;
• close the nostrils, close the lips tightly and exhale smoothly through the nose;
• Press the tragus against the entrance to the ear canal.

Toothache First Aid

If you are sure that your earache was caused by a toothache, then you should take painkillers to relieve symptoms and make an appointment with your dentist.

First aid for sinusitis

For ear pain caused by sinusitis, a series of relief measures can help you:

1. First of all, the nasal passages should be washed from accumulated mucous masses with saline solution.
2. To thin the mucus, ensure optimal humidity in the room, drink more fluids and take special preparations, such as sinupret.
3. To eliminate swelling, vasoconstrictor drugs should be dripped into the nasal passages.

First Aid for Otitis Pain

How you deal with ear pain from otitis media will depend on your symptoms. If you have a fever and discomfort increases in a horizontal position, it is better not to take risks and, after taking a painkiller, wait for the consultation of an otolaryngologist.

The fact is that if the nature of the disease is unclear, one cannot self-medicate and use folk methods based on heating. Heat will temporarily eliminate the pain in the ear, but it can also accelerate the development of pathogenic flora in purulent otitis media and lead to serious complications.

Painkiller

Taking an analgesic will help you fall asleep and calmly wait for an appointment with an otolaryngologist. Paracetamol, Novigan or ibuprofen can help you with ear pain. The last drug, in addition to eliminating the painful symptom, is able to slightly restrain the development of the inflammatory process. To enhance the action of analgesics during the day, you can drink a little coffee or strong tea.

Ear drops

Ear drops should only be used if you are sure of the nature of your condition. So, patients suffering from chronic forms of otitis media, without waiting for the consultation of an otolaryngologist, usually begin topical use of analgesic drugs. Otipax and Otinum effectively relieve ear pain, while they do not have an antibacterial effect, which means that when you visit an otolaryngologist, he will be able to freely choose the optimal treatment program for the disease for you.

See also: Prevention of otitis in adults and children

Dry heat

Applying warm salt bags to the sore ear or using a blue lamp due to the action of heat will quickly relieve pain. But the use of such a method in some cases is fraught with negative consequences. So, if the pain in the ear is caused by purulent processes in the tissues of the organ of hearing, dry heat will only provoke the development of pathogenic flora and increased exudate release.

Therefore, before consulting an otolaryngologist, it is better not to apply dry heat in order to eliminate in the ear.

Camphor compress

This is another way to relieve ear pain based on the effect of heating. You can use it only in situations where you are sure that there is no purulent process in your organ of hearing.

1. To make a warming compress to relieve ear pain, you should prepare gauze, fold it into 4 layers and cut a hole in the middle for the auricle.
2. According to the size of the bandage, you need to cut the same pattern from polyethylene.
3. Soak the created dressing in slightly warmed camphor oil and put it on the affected ear through the hole.
4. Polyethylene is applied on top of the bandage, the entire compress is fixed with a bandage and covered with a towel to keep warm.

The compress is done for 5-6 hours. After this time, gauze and polyethylene are removed, and the ear canal is closed with a cotton ball. To preserve the effect, you should put on a knitted cap covering your ears on your head.

Phyto-candles

Ear phyto-funnels are tubules impregnated with a special medicinal composition. The action of candles is based on the soft heating of the ear canal and the evaporation of natural essential oils.

Phytocandles are usually used to facilitate the release of sulfuric plugs, so if you are sure that the pain in the ear is caused by the accumulation of masses in the auditory canal, you can safely use this method.

Phyto-funnels, by gently warming the ear tissues, contribute to the fact that severe pain goes away, and due to the action of essential oils and other natural components (propolis, beeswax) they suppress the growth of pathogenic flora.

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OTC medicines for ear pain in pharmacies

Ear pain, otitis and earache

• Ear pain causes many diseases: an ear infection, a cold, a sinus or throat infection, an ear canal injury or even a tooth abscess.
• Ear pain is the clinical manifestation of a painful manifestation localized in the ear. Diseases of the ear affect three parts, namely, the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The disease that usually affects this organ of hearing is ear infection .
• Otitis is inflammation of the ear. Often occurs as a result of colds or pharyngitis . Otitis media is caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms of ear infections often present as ear congestion , fever and varying degrees of pain . Your doctor may also prescribe Ear Drops with a local anesthetic to relieve the pain of otitis externa.
• As in children, ear infections and Pain localized in the ear always warrants a medical consultation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment by otoscopy.

How to relieve ear pain?

First, it is important to determine the cause of the pain in the ear, otherwise known as otalgia.

• Determine the cause of the ear pain (cold, throat, teeth, etc.) and the type of otitis media.
• Take appropriate ear pain medicines (as prescribed by your doctor).
• Keep your ears clean

Otitis media and ear pain: what is the cure for ear pain

Most ear pain is caused by otitis media, which is an inflammation or infection of the ear. Less commonly, the pain may be caused by a sinus infection or a sore throat.

What are the types of ear infections?

Order OTC Ear Pain Medicines from ARS Approved Online Bio Pharmacy. To relieve the symptoms of otitis , internal, external or secondary, it is recommended to take painkillers. Usually, the attending physician or ENT prescribes paracetamol or ibuprofen up to 4 grams per day. It is also indicated to take an anti-inflammatory drug for ear pain ( Advil or Nurofen) up to 1200 mg per day. .

Otitis media

• Acute otitis media. Acute otitis media is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear that usually accompanies an upper respiratory tract infection. Acute otitis media (AOM) is characterized by a purulent effusion located in the eardrum. Paracetamol is the gold standard for pain management in acute otitis media.

• Serous otitis media: Serous otitis media is an effusion into the middle ear resulting from incomplete healing of acute otitis media or obstruction of the Eustachian tube without infection. A decongestant such as phenylephrine (in older children and adults) may be taken to relieve nasal congestion on the advice of a physician. People from otitis media scuba diving and air travel should be avoided. Changes in ambient pressure in this case cause pain and injury to the ear.

• Chronic otitis media: inflammation of the mucous membrane persists for more than 3 months. Chronic otitis media results from several infectious episodes and is often characterized by perforation of the tympanic membrane or otorrhea. In case of perforation of the eardrum, it is recommended to protect the ears from water ingress. In chronic suppurative otitis media, doctors prescribe ear drops containing an antibiotic. People with severe exacerbations are also given oral antibiotics. When piercing the eardrum, it is dangerous to put anything in the ears. You will need to wait for your doctor’s consultation before injecting an ear solution such as Otipax Ear Instillation Solution.

Otitis media or labyrinthitis

Otitis media is the result of an adverse development of acute otitis media. The treatment should then be adapted to the type of otitis media diagnosed. So we will treat differently:

• bacterial otitis media due to high doses of antibiotics, sometimes combined with surgery to remove accumulations of pus in the vestibule or calculus
• viral otitis media cause-specific antivirals (different for influenza, varicella or zoster virus)
• inflammatory otitis media caused by anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone derivatives

9 0068 Otitis externa

Otitis externa is an infection of the skin of the external auditory canal, which is sometimes purulent. Otitis externa is a pathology that occurs mainly in summer, as heat and humidity contribute to it. This ear pain most often affects young children, whose external canal is narrower.

Advice from a pharmacist on how to properly clean and protect your ears

In addition to taking pain relievers for ear pain, it is also important to practice good ear hygiene.

• For example, you can use ear sprays to immediately disinfect and soothe pain.
• Reduce the pressure in your ears, for example by staying indoors or sitting
• Use in-ear headphones to protect your ears from outside aggression.
• Use the ear cleaner to clean your ears without damaging your ear canal.

Good to know: more severe manifestations of ear pain require the intervention of an ENT doctor who can make a complete diagnosis. Also check out our blog for tips on natural herbal remedies for ear infections.

Also discover our liquid essential oil preparation for the treatment of otitis.