What causes swimmer’s ear. How to recognize the symptoms of swimmer’s ear. What are the most effective treatments for swimmer’s ear. How to prevent swimmer’s ear. When to seek medical attention for ear pain after swimming.

Understanding Swimmer’s Ear: Causes and Risk Factors

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. Despite its name, you don’t have to be a swimmer to get it. The condition occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment ideal for bacterial growth.

What exactly causes swimmer’s ear? The primary culprit is water that enters the ear canal and doesn’t drain properly. This trapped moisture can break down the skin inside the ear canal, leading to a local infection. While swimming is a common cause, any activity that introduces water into the ear can potentially lead to swimmer’s ear.

Are some people more susceptible to swimmer’s ear than others? Indeed, certain factors can increase the risk:

• Frequent swimming, especially in non-chlorinated water
• Narrow ear canals (more common in children)
• Excessive ear cleaning, which can remove protective earwax
• Use of ear devices like hearing aids or earbuds
• Skin conditions like eczema that affect the ear canal

Is chlorinated pool water safer than natural bodies of water? While chlorinated water is generally cleaner, it can still lead to swimmer’s ear. Chlorine can disrupt the ear’s natural pH balance, making it more susceptible to infection. Lake or river water, however, poses a higher risk due to the presence of more diverse bacteria.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Early detection of swimmer’s ear can lead to quicker treatment and relief. But how can you tell if you or your child has developed this condition? Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• Ear pain, often intensifying when the outer ear is touched or moved
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Redness and swelling of the outer ear
• Decreased hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Drainage from the ear – usually a small amount of clear or yellowish fluid

Is the pain associated with swimmer’s ear different from other types of ear pain? Typically, yes. The pain from swimmer’s ear tends to worsen when the outer ear is moved or touched, which isn’t usually the case with middle ear infections.

Can swimmer’s ear cause fever? While not common, a low-grade fever can sometimes accompany swimmer’s ear, especially in more severe cases. If a high fever develops, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Effective Treatments for Swimmer’s Ear

Once diagnosed, what are the most effective ways to treat swimmer’s ear? The primary treatment typically involves antibiotic ear drops prescribed by a healthcare provider. These drops are usually applied 2-4 times daily for about a week, depending on the severity of the infection.

Are oral antibiotics necessary for swimmer’s ear? In most cases, topical antibiotic drops are sufficient. Oral antibiotics are generally only prescribed for severe cases or when the infection has spread beyond the ear canal.

What other treatments can help manage the symptoms?

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help control pain
• Applying a warm compress to the ear may provide temporary pain relief
• Keeping the ear dry during treatment is crucial for faster healing

Is it safe to use home remedies for swimmer’s ear? While some people advocate for home remedies like vinegar drops, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before trying any treatments, especially if there’s ear pain or signs of infection.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear: Practical Tips and Strategies

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to swimmer’s ear. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this uncomfortable condition?

1. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
2. Use earplugs or a swim cap when swimming
3. Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
4. Maintain proper ear hygiene without over-cleaning
5. Consider using preventive ear drops after swimming

How can ears be dried effectively after swimming? Tilt your head to each side to allow water to drain out. You can also use a soft towel or tissue to gently dry the outer ear. For those prone to swimmer’s ear, using a hair dryer on the lowest setting, held several inches away from the ear, can help dry the canal.

Are there specific ear drops that can help prevent swimmer’s ear? Yes, over-the-counter swimmer’s ear prevention drops are available. These typically contain a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid, which helps to dry the ear canal and restore its natural acidity. However, these should not be used if you suspect you already have an ear infection, as the alcohol can cause significant discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain After Swimming

While mild cases of swimmer’s ear can sometimes be managed at home, it’s important to know when professional medical care is necessary. But when exactly should you seek medical attention for ear pain after swimming?

• Severe ear pain or pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Fever, especially if it’s high or accompanied by other symptoms
• Swelling that extends beyond the ear canal
• Redness or warmth around the outer ear or in the neck area
• Discharge from the ear, especially if it’s excessive or has an unpleasant odor
• Hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear that doesn’t improve

Is it possible for swimmer’s ear to lead to more serious complications if left untreated? While rare, untreated swimmer’s ear can potentially lead to more severe infections that spread to surrounding tissues. In extreme cases, it could even affect the bones and cartilage around the ear. This is why prompt treatment is crucial.

Should children with ear tubes avoid swimming? Children with ear tubes can usually swim, but it’s best to consult with their doctor first. They may recommend using earplugs or a swim cap to prevent water from entering the ear canal through the tubes.

The Role of Ear Anatomy in Swimmer’s Ear

Understanding the anatomy of the ear can provide valuable insights into why swimmer’s ear occurs and how to prevent it. How does the structure of the ear contribute to this condition?

The ear canal is a narrow, slightly curved tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. This shape normally helps protect the eardrum and drain water naturally. However, several factors can interfere with this process:

• Narrow ear canals: Some people, especially children, have narrower ear canals that make it harder for water to drain out.
• Excess earwax: While earwax is protective, too much can trap water in the ear canal.
• Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema can make the skin in the ear canal more susceptible to infection.

Does the shape of the ear canal differ between adults and children? Yes, adults typically have wider, straighter ear canals compared to children. This is one reason why children are more prone to swimmer’s ear – their ear canals make it easier for water to become trapped.

How does earwax play a role in preventing or contributing to swimmer’s ear? Earwax, or cerumen, is actually beneficial in moderate amounts. It helps protect the ear canal by trapping dirt and repelling water. However, excessive earwax can trap water in the ear canal, potentially leading to swimmer’s ear. Conversely, too little earwax can leave the ear canal more vulnerable to infection.

The Impact of Water Quality on Swimmer’s Ear Risk

The type and quality of water you swim in can significantly influence your risk of developing swimmer’s ear. But how exactly does water quality factor into this equation?

Different types of water environments pose varying levels of risk:

• Chlorinated pools: While generally cleaner, the chlorine can disrupt the ear’s natural pH balance.
• Saltwater: Ocean water is less likely to cause swimmer’s ear due to its salt content, which can help prevent bacterial growth.
• Freshwater lakes and rivers: These pose the highest risk due to the presence of diverse bacteria and other microorganisms.

Is it safer to swim in indoor or outdoor pools? Both indoor and outdoor pools can potentially lead to swimmer’s ear if proper precautions aren’t taken. However, outdoor pools exposed to sunlight may have lower bacteria levels due to the natural disinfecting properties of UV light.

How does water temperature affect the risk of swimmer’s ear? Warmer water temperatures can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, making heated pools or hot tubs potential breeding grounds for the microorganisms that cause swimmer’s ear.

The Connection Between Swimmer’s Ear and Other Ear Conditions

While swimmer’s ear is a distinct condition, it’s important to understand how it relates to other ear problems. Can swimmer’s ear be confused with other ear conditions?

Swimmer’s ear is sometimes mistaken for other ear issues, including:

• Middle ear infections (otitis media): These occur behind the eardrum and are more common in children.
• Earwax blockage: This can cause similar symptoms like ear pain and decreased hearing.
• Ruptured eardrum: This can occur from trauma or severe infections and may have similar symptoms.

How can you differentiate swimmer’s ear from a middle ear infection? The key difference lies in the location of pain. With swimmer’s ear, pain typically increases when the outer ear is touched or moved. Middle ear infections usually don’t have this characteristic.

Can swimmer’s ear lead to other ear problems? If left untreated, severe cases of swimmer’s ear can potentially spread to nearby areas, leading to more serious infections. However, with prompt and proper treatment, this is rare.

Long-Term Management for Frequent Swimmers

For those who swim regularly, whether for sport or leisure, managing the risk of swimmer’s ear becomes an ongoing concern. What strategies can frequent swimmers employ to protect their ears in the long term?

1. Invest in custom-fit swimmer’s earplugs
2. Use a swim cap that covers the ears
3. Implement a post-swim ear care routine
4. Consider using preventive ear drops regularly
5. Stay vigilant about pool hygiene and water quality

Are there professional-grade ear protection options for competitive swimmers? Yes, there are specialized ear plugs designed for competitive swimmers that provide a watertight seal without significantly impacting hearing or performance in the water.

How often should frequent swimmers have their ears checked by a healthcare provider? Regular swimmers, especially those prone to ear infections, should consider having their ears checked annually or biannually. This allows for early detection of any potential issues and ensures the ear canals remain healthy.

Can frequent swimming cause long-term damage to the ears? While swimming itself doesn’t typically cause long-term ear damage, repeated episodes of swimmer’s ear or improper ear care (like excessive cleaning) can potentially lead to chronic ear problems. This underscores the importance of proper ear care and prompt treatment of any ear issues.

The Role of Diet and Immune System in Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

While external factors play a significant role in swimmer’s ear, internal factors like diet and immune health can also influence susceptibility to this condition. How can nutrition and overall health impact the risk of swimmer’s ear?

Several nutritional factors may help bolster resistance to ear infections:

• Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties
• Zinc: Plays a crucial role in immune function
• Probiotics: May help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against infections

Can certain foods increase the risk of swimmer’s ear? While no foods directly cause swimmer’s ear, a diet high in sugar and processed foods may negatively impact overall immune function, potentially making one more susceptible to infections in general.

How does overall immune health affect the risk of swimmer’s ear? A strong immune system is better equipped to fight off the bacteria that cause swimmer’s ear. Factors like stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, potentially increasing vulnerability to infections like swimmer’s ear.

Technological Advancements in Treating and Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

As medical science progresses, new technologies and treatments are emerging to combat swimmer’s ear. What recent advancements have been made in this field?

Several innovative approaches are being explored:

• Antimicrobial coatings for swim equipment
• Advanced ear drying devices
• Novel formulations of preventive ear drops
• Improved diagnostic tools for faster, more accurate detection

Are there any new treatments on the horizon for swimmer’s ear? Researchers are exploring the use of nanoparticles to deliver antibiotics more effectively to the ear canal. This could potentially lead to faster, more targeted treatments in the future.

How might future technology change the way we prevent swimmer’s ear? We may see the development of “smart” swim caps or earplugs that can detect moisture levels and alert swimmers when it’s time to dry their ears. Additionally, advancements in water treatment technology could lead to safer swimming environments with reduced risk of ear infections.

As our understanding of swimmer’s ear continues to evolve, so too will our strategies for prevention and treatment. By staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining good ear health practices, swimmers can continue to enjoy their time in the water with minimal risk to their ear health.

Swimmers Ear | Common Health Topics | Framingham Pediatrics | Practices | Alliance

Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal.  The ear canal is the tube that connects the outer ear to the middle ear.  Most cases are easy to diagnose based on symptoms and easily treated with antibiotic ear drops.

Causes

Swimmer’s ear occurs when water gets into the ear canal, usually through swimming or bathing, and does not drain properly.  The water causes the skin to break down inside the ear canal, which leads to a local infection.  Although otitis externa can be caused by other trauma to the ear canal, water often from swimming is the most common cause.

Signs/symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:

• Pain – often worse with movement of the head and/or outer ear
• Itching
• Swelling and/or redness around the ear canal
• Decreased hearing
• Discharge – usually only a small amount of yellow discharge is noted

Treatment management

• Antibiotic ear drops are the primary treatment for swimmer’s ear.   They require a prescription from your provider.  Ear drops are applied 2-4 times per day for approximately 1 week.
• Analgesics – Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are helpful for temporary pain control with swimmer’s ear.
• A warm compress to the ear may help temporarily relieve pain.

Be sure to keep the ear canal dry when your child has swimmer’s ear to allow the ear to heal fully and as fast as possible.

Prevention

If your child is prone to swimmer’s ear, you may be able to prevent the frequency of recurrence by one of a couple of methods:

• Put a tissue, or other absorbant cloth, over the tip of the finger and place it into the outer portion of the ear canal.  This will dry large amounts of fluid in the canal. (DO NOT USE Q-TIPS AS THEY MAY IRRITATE THE CANAL).  The canal should be able to dry on its own from there.
• Use of ear drops after swimming.  The ear drops are meant to dry up any fluid remaining in the ear canal.  They can be purchased at any pharmacy or made at home with 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% white vinegar.   Apply a few drops to each ear after swimming.  DO NOT USE IF THERE IS EAR PAIN BECAUSE THE ALCOHOL WILL STING.

When to call

Call our office if you believe your child has any of the above signs or symptoms.  In mild cases of swimmer’s ear we may be able to treat over the phone.  In more severe cases we prefer to examine children before treatment.  Please call our office and speak to your provider or one of our nurses to determine if you need to come in for treatment.  As always, if you prefer to be seen we are always happy to accommodate you with an appointment!

Takeaway message

Swimmer’s ear is caused by water getting into the ear canal and not properly draining.  It can be treated with antibiotic drops.  It is often mild and self limited.

Swimmers Ear | Contact Us

Preventing and treating swimmer’s ear: Newsroom

Adults are typically at lower risk for swimmer’s ear than children due to their wider ear canals.

Hongzhao Ji, M.D., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology

DALLAS – July 13, 2022 – Summertime trips to lakes or pools to escape the heat can sometimes lead to ear infections caused by excess moisture in the ear canal. Hongzhao Ji, M.D., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UT Southwestern, offers information on swimmer’s ear, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.  

What causes swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the external ear canal, the soft tissue external to the eardrum. The causes likely vary; however, in the case of swimmer’s ear specifically, this is usually caused by unwanted moisture in the ear canal that tends to upset the pH and microbe balance in the area. In some cases, accumulated earwax can cause the retention of moisture in the ear. The ear generally likes to be slightly acidic while pool water tends to be almost neutral pH.

Who is at risk and what are the symptoms?

Getting water into the external ear canal puts anyone at risk. This becomes more problematic when the water is not chlorinated, as the bacteria in water from a lake or river is much more significant. Adults are typically at lower risk than children due to their wider ear canals.

What treatment is available?

Treatment usually consists of an antimicrobial (antibiotic and/or antifungal) applied directly to the ear canal as well as manually cleaning out the ear canal to remove any accumulated debris such as pus, earwax, dead skin cells, or oils. Treatment is more successful when both debridement (cleanout under a microscope in a physician’s clinic) and antimicrobials are applied. 

Can ears be damaged by swimmer’s ear?

Yes – however, the damage is usually mild and temporary. Most people with swimmer’s ear recover completely with adequate treatment. There are potentially some long-term effects that can result in loss of hearing and chronic infections.

How can it be prevented?

The best prevention is to avoid getting water in your ears. Some people use ear drops after swimming, usually a combination of alcohol and vinegar meant to sterilize the ear canal and restore its desired pH. If you have done a lot of swimming in the past and never had swimmer’s ear, you probably don’t need the drops.

Getting the water out of your ear in a nontraumatic fashion is also helpful. Avoid using cotton swabs since they tend to push earwax deeper into the ear and may scratch the ear canal skin. Some drops/irrigation-based products can be purchased over the counter.

Is it infectious between multiple children with close contact?

This is typically not infectious, and children can still be in contact with each other. They should avoid immediate contact with any of the fluid or debris that comes out of the ears.

Is the risk higher in lakes and rivers or swimming pools?

The risk is generally higher in lakes and rivers. In lakes, swimmers risk contracting other potentially more dangerous infectious diseases such as meningitis, hepatitis, and a rare infection known as brain-eating amoeba.

Do heat waves affect water quality and raise the risk of infections?

Changes in behavior such as swimming more often can increase the incidence of swimmer’s ear in a population. Water quality is variable from a well-maintained chlorinated pool to a poorly maintained one.

When is it time to see a physician?

See a doctor if you’re experiencing worsening ear pain. This is more urgent if you have worsened hearing and/or a clogged sensation in your ear, or if you see any sort of foul-smelling fluid or debris coming out of your ear.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution’s faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 26 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,900 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide care in more than 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients, more than 360,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 4 million outpatient visits a year.

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Ear drops for otitis media – types and effectiveness

Contents

• Types of drops for otitis media
• Effective drops for otitis media
• Question about boric alcohol
• Proper instillation

9 0002 Otitis is a very dangerous disease accompanied by excruciating symptoms. Its treatment should be complex and strictly with the drugs that the ENT will select specifically for your case.

In addition to oral antibiotics, your doctor will prescribe ear drops for otitis media for topical antibacterial action. What types of these drugs are currently available? What ear drops are considered effective?

Contents

Types of drops for otitis media

Ear drops for otitis media should fight the most important symptom of the disease – an inflammatory process caused by pathogenic bacteria. Depending on the main active ingredients, drugs in this group are:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Otinum, Otipax).
2. Antibacterial (Otofa, Normaks).
3. Combined, combining antibiotics and corticosteroids (Anauran, Sofradex).

Selection of drops for inflammation of the ear should be done by the attending physician. The ENT will determine the location of the process that is causing you pain, and, if necessary, will take the discharge for sowing to find out what type of bacteria are responsible for the appearance of the pathology.

Effective drops for otitis

Drops in the ears with inflammation not only fight against the pathological process, eliminating the bacterial pathogenic flora, but also additionally anesthetize the affected area.

Otipax

These ear drops have proven themselves in the treatment of otitis media localized in the outer and middle part of the auditory organ. Their use is only permissible if the eardrum is intact.

The composition of Otipax is considered safe, and the use of this drug against otitis is allowed even for the ears of young patients. Drops for the treatment of otitis eliminate inflammation and, due to the lidocaine contained in them, they anesthetize well.

The full effect of the treatment is achieved within a week, very rarely therapy is delayed for 10-14 days.

Sofradex

A powerful combined drug that effectively fights the inflammatory process, kills bacteria and microbes on the affected tissues. But Sofradex has a whole list of disadvantages:

• after instillation in the ear canal, there is a burning sensation and itching;
• the drug should not be used by pregnant women and children;
• overdose of ear drops is very dangerous.

See also: Ear drops: a detailed review of drugs

Nevertheless, Sofradex has been successfully used to treat otitis media.

Anauran

Anauran is a popular remedy for the treatment of purulent otitis media of external and middle location. Drops well anesthetize and fight viruses that caused inflammation of the tissues in the organ of hearing. The drug is equally often included in the course of therapy against acute and even chronic forms of otitis media.

Since Anauran contains an antibiotic, the treatment of otitis with this remedy should be strictly a course. If you stop using ear drops for otitis as soon as the soreness of the symptoms goes away, the untreated inflammatory process can start with a vengeance, and the pathogenic flora that causes it will already have a kind of immunity to the constituent antibacterial elements.

For the same reason, when the disease recurs, the doctor should alternate Anauran with other antibacterial drugs from disease to disease.

Anauran is not recommended for the treatment of young children, and experts do not prescribe it to pregnant and lactating women.

Otofa

The drug with an antibiotic effectively copes with acute and chronic forms of otitis media, however, the drops do not contain any analgesic components. Therefore, if the inflammatory process is accompanied by painful symptoms, the ENT will prescribe you either another remedy or an additional intake of oral analgesics.

Otofa can be used to treat the ears of young children, but they are not prescribed for pregnant women due to the content of antibiotics. The use of these drops is also acceptable for a perforated eardrum.

Normaks

These ear drops for otitis in adults are used to treat pathologies of the middle and outer parts of the hearing organs. They perfectly fight the bacterial flora that causes inflammation, but have a lot of unpleasant side effects. After instillation of these relatively inexpensive drops, there is a burning sensation and itching in the ear canal.

The rather aggressive composition of drops from otitis does not allow them to be used to treat patients under 18 years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating women.

See also: Propolis for otitis media in adults and children: treatment, prescriptions

Salicylic acid contained in drops in the ear with otitis media in case of a perforated tympanic membrane can penetrate into the organ and damage hearing. It is impossible to use Otinum after a break in the film separating the outer and middle sections of the ear.

A question about boric alcohol

Many patients, despite the abundance of high-quality and effective drops on the shelves of pharmacies, still tend to “old-fashioned” methods and buy boric alcohol for the treatment of otitis media.

But using this drug to treat otitis media is very dangerous.

If you have had a perforated eardrum, the solution in your middle ear can cause severe damage to your hearing. In addition, both boric acid and alcohol have a pronounced warming effect, and the thermal effect on inflamed tissues will contribute to the active reproduction of pathogenic flora.

In addition, boric alcohol is highly toxic and its hazardous constituents can accumulate in the tissues – their effect subsequently manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting and other neurological symptoms.

If you have symptoms of otitis media and your doctor has prescribed certain anti-inflammatory drops, do not risk changing your treatment regimen to suit tradition and your wallet. The use of boric alcohol for the treatment of the disease can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Proper instillation

Instillation of drops to the ears with otitis should take place according to certain rules. Their violation not only does not speed up the healing process, but can also damage the hearing organ.

Ear drops for inflammation of the ear have a local effect, so they should be administered directly and as accurately as possible to the affected areas.

Before starting the treatment of otitis media, drops should be prepared: heated to a comfortable temperature directly in a pipette. It is best to do this by holding the filled accessory in your hand or by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Warming a whole bottle of ear drops is not recommended – this will shorten the duration of its action.

1. The patient should lie on their side with the diseased auditory organ on top.
2. Pull on the earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
3. Do not drip drugs directly into the ear canal – they can get on the eardrum, burn it or cause acute pain. It is better to twist the cotton turunda, insert it gently into the ear, and only after that instill the drug.
4. After instillation, the ear canal should be covered with a cotton ball.

See also: Ear plug drops – to remove and dissolve wax plugs, names

How do ear drops work? | clinic blog Nashe Vremya

All about ear drops is known by the children’s ENT Averyanova Tatyana Aleksandrovna. With her, we will deal with this interesting topic.

Ear drops are popular drugs that are freely sold in the pharmacy chain. Patients appreciate them for a distinct therapeutic effect and ease of use.

Preparations with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties quickly reduce the symptoms of the disease, allow you to eliminate swelling and pain in a short time. Drops of therapeutic and prophylactic action make it possible to get rid of discomfort with sulfur plugs and significantly improve well-being.

The choice of medicines is really quite wide, it is difficult to understand the intricacies of their prescription on your own. The best solution is to listen to the opinion of a specialist and choose the appropriate ones from those suggested by the doctor.

Indications for prescription

Inflammatory processes in the ear are often accompanied by intense pain. They are the main reason for seeking medical help from an otolaryngologist. One treatment is topical application of ear drops.

The doctor recommends using them as the main or additional means of therapy in such cases:

• Inflammatory diseases of the ear, associated with infections . Widely used in otitis externa.
• Inflammation of the ear caused by other causes . Otitis media can develop after prolonged exposure to water (“swimmer’s ear”) after swimming in a pool or swimming in open water. Due to frequent contact with water, sulfur is washed out, which protects the skin of the ear canal. The result is an infection.
• Incorrect use of care products , unsuccessful attempts to get rid of wax plugs in the ear canal. Ear sticks are often the source of infection. They are not intended for cleaning the ears, and are often stored in the bathroom, where heat and moisture favor the growth of microorganisms. Hygiene errors cause skin irritation and the need to use anti-inflammatory drops.

Any drug contains active ingredients, and each of them has its own indications and contraindications for use.

For the correct choice of the drug before buying, you need to consult with an otolaryngologist.

Children’s Clinic “Nashe Vremya” is a medical institution of evidence-based medicine, where all doctors strictly adhere to its principles. When parents purchase a drug for their child under the prescription of our doctor, they can be sure:

• All doctor’s prescriptions for are based on the data of modern medical science , which are obtained from serious clinical studies.
• Information on the use of drugs is contained in authoritative sources – recommendations for physicians and protocols for the management of patients with diseases of the ENT organs. All of them are approved by experts of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
• Clinic does not have any commercial plans to sell medicines , the goal is not to expand the sales receipt. The specialist prescribes only what benefits the child.

Whatever drops we are talking about, you need to remember that you cannot buy them on the recommendations of friends or pharmacy workers . Only a doctor can take into account the peculiarities of the action of the drug in relation to each child and prescribe a medicine with a minimal risk of side effects.

Types of ear drops

Ear drops are divided into types according to the mechanism of their action. It depends on the composition of the drug. The doctor chooses drops from 4 main types.

Antibacterial

In the preparations of this group, an antimicrobial substance-antibiotic is necessarily present. It is necessary for the treatment of external otitis, it is used in acute and chronic forms of the disease.

The main components of such drops have a wide spectrum of action against various bacteria. The doctor prescribes the drug, taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora to the active substance. Be sure to take into account the presence of a possible allergy to the drug and interaction with other drugs.

It is pointless to prescribe antibacterial drops for fungal and viral infections; antibiotics do not work on these microorganisms.

Antifungals

Effective for fungal infection of the external auditory tract. The doctor prescribes drops of this group with a diagnosis of fungal inflammation confirmed in the laboratory. Traditional antibacterial medicines do not affect the fungal flora. Their erroneous appointment leads to a prolongation of the disease and excessive allergization of the patient.

In advanced cases, with a weak positive response to local antifungal therapy, the doctor prescribes treatment with systemic antifungal drugs. They are given as tablets or injections. This also takes into account a certain type of fungus that caused inflammation. Only a doctor can understand all the intricacies of treatment.

Painkillers

This group of drops usually has a complex composition and includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic components.

Although antibiotics by themselves reduce inflammation and pain, they may not be enough for particularly sensitive patients. With a severe pain syndrome, painkillers are used instead of drops, which the patient takes orally. It is not always possible to widely use drops of a combined composition, since there are often restrictions on the use of individual components of the drug.

Drops for the treatment of cerumen

Accumulations of unremoved earwax from the external auditory canal form the so-called cerumen plugs. They cause severe discomfort, and sometimes pain with hearing loss.

Depending on the characteristics of each patient, the doctor decides how to remove plugs from the ear – active rinsing or gradual softening and removal of sulfur. Properly applied drug helps to prevent the development of inflammatory complications.

The composition of the drops is selected individually:

• Water based drops. Often used to prevent excess sulfur formation, they are great for regular hygiene measures. Medicines partially split and dissolve a dense cork, after which it is easily removed with conventional care products (cotton wicks).

It is also impossible to prescribe such medicines on your own – they can harm with inflammation in the ear and perforation of the eardrum.

• Oil drops. They act more gently, do not enter into chemical interaction with sulfur formations. Oil lubricates the ear walls and places of dense attachment of plugs. Soon, the ear secret painlessly and gradually leaves the ear canal, and new portions of sulfur do not accumulate on the surface of the skin for some time.

Such drops are rarely used, because. with a large accumulation of softened sulfur and an attempt to remove it with cotton wicks, an additional plug may form. The best solution in such a situation is to contact an ENT doctor.

How drops work

The mechanism of action of ear drops is determined by their composition. Local action of drugs is preferable to internal or parenteral:

• no systemic side effects, local side effects are rare
• a high concentration of the active substance is created in the focus of the disease
• the rate of action of antibiotics is higher, because. they enter directly into the focus of infection and do not have time to be neutralized in the general bloodstream

When using drugs in the form of drops, you need to remember that they cannot be used cold – severe dizziness is possible.

In patients with hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drops, dangerous symptoms may suddenly appear that require immediate medical attention:

• shortness of breath
• swelling in the face and tongue
• intense burning sensation in the ear, associated with skin redness, swelling and itching
• hearing loss

During treatment with drops, it is recommended to observe precautionary measures :

• instill the drug only in the diseased ear
• use for a short time and strictly in accordance with instructions
• do not use ear sticks for hygiene purposes, as in the presence of inflammation, they can injure already damaged areas of the ear canal and worsen the situation
• pay attention to the possibility of treatment indicated in the instructions with the drug in case of damage to the eardrum

The most popular among doctors and patients are ear drops of multidirectional action.

Otofa

Drops with antibiotic rifamycin help to cope with acute and chronic inflammation of the outer and middle ear. The drug can be used at any stage of the inflammatory process, including perforation of the eardrum. Has no analgesic effect.

Suitable for adults and children of all ages, as well as pregnant women. The only unpleasant feature is the ability to stain the skin of the ear canal and the membrane in yellow.

Anauran

2 antibiotics (polymyxin B, netilmicin) and lidocaine in the composition of the drug provide antimicrobial and analgesic effects. With perforation of the eardrum, it cannot be used due to the presence of aminoglycoside and lidocaine.

Drops are convenient to use in adults and children, effective at the onset of acute otitis media and with external inflammation.

Polydex

The antibacterial action of the two components (polymyxin B and netilmicin) is complemented by the anti-inflammatory effect of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. The drug is limited in use – it is not prescribed for pregnant, lactating women and with a perforated eardrum.

In acute otitis, it helps at the very beginning of the disease, it is convenient in the treatment of otitis externa.

Sofradex

The drug has a wide antibacterial spectrum of action due to the presence of two antibacterial components. Active against many resistant bacteria. Dexamethasone gives additional anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.

It can be used for instillation of the ears and eyes at the same time, therefore it is prescribed for incipient otitis media, conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids, except for cases of perforation of the eardrum.

Candibiotic

The complex composition of the drops provides analgesic, antibacterial and antifungal effects in otitis externa and the initial stage of inflammation of the middle ear. The antimicrobial spectrum of the drug is quite wide, so drops of this composition are used for an unknown pathogen.

Do not use if the eardrum is damaged and in younger children.

Combinil

The presence of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin and the hormonal component makes the drops effective in case of microflora resistance to other antimicrobial drugs.

Not applicable to the treatment of children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. With external otitis, it quickly suppresses inflammation.

Tsipromed

The drops contain a liquid form of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. One of a limited number of drugs that can be used for perforation of the eardrum. It is successfully prescribed for the treatment of both external and otitis media at any stage of the disease. Drops are used after ear injuries and removal of foreign bodies from it.

Not recommended for use in children.

Dancil

Drops with the antibacterial action of ofloxacin are allowed for adults and children from the age of one. In terms of its effectiveness, the drug is equivalent to the action of systemic antibiotics, it is used for perforated otitis media with a chronic course.

It is not recommended for therapy in children under 1 year of age, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

How to choose the right drops

An ENT doctor helps to make a choice. At the appointment, the otolaryngologist determines the cause of pain in the ear, reveals the presence of inflammation and its activity, suggests the most likely causative agent of the infection.

The choice of ear drops is influenced by:

• disease diagnosis
• main symptoms (pain, swelling)
• eardrum condition
• presence of infection
• information about allergic reactions
• patient age
• special conditions of the body (pregnancy, breastfeeding)

If diseases of the ENT organs are detected, the doctor prescribes a complex treatment. Ear drops are an important part of it.

Otitis in adults

Inflammation of the outer ear is an indication for the use of drops.

Otitis externa occur in various clinical variants – erysipelas, fungal, allergic, etc. Diseases often develop against the background of an active bacterial or fungal infection. Sometimes they are side effects of therapy of neighboring organs.

Treatment of otitis externa is conservative or surgical. If the doctor does not find indications for surgery, he prescribes local anti-inflammatory drugs with antibacterial or antifungal components. Additionally, systemic antibiotics are used.

Based on the diagnosis, ear drops are recommended:

• in diffuse otitis media – with a combination of different agents, while taking into account the presence or absence of perforation of the tympanic membrane
• for erysipelas – with penicillins or cephalosporins
• for otomycosis – with antifungal components

Otitis media develop in the tympanic cavity (middle ear). Infectious inflammation is accompanied by severe pain, without treatment quickly leads to perforation of the membrane and hearing loss. The initial, perforative stages of an acute process and the recovery period require completely different approaches to treatment.

With otitis media, the doctor prescribes systemic antibiotics. Ear drops can complement systemic antibiotic therapy in cases where minor local anesthesia is required.

Inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis) is not treated with drops. The disease occurs as a complication of otitis media, tuberculosis. A sick person loses his hearing, sense of balance, ceases to navigate in space, complains of dizziness and constant nausea. Treatment at home is impossible! The disease is life-threatening, because. the brain is often affected.

Otitis in children

Inflammation of the ears of an infectious nature proceeds similarly to diseases of adults. Drops in the ears for inflammation in children are prescribed taking into account age characteristics. Fluoroquinolones are not used because of the negative effect on the development of cartilage and joints.

Otitis as a complication of banal ARVI often occurs with high fever and severe pain in the ears. They require systemic antibiotics. Sometimes you have to deal with non-infectious inflammation of the middle ear and auditory tube (eustachitis). With the allergic nature of the disease, there is an oligosymptomatic course of otitis media with significant swelling of the Eustachian tube and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

In rare cases, the ENT doctor recommends supplementing the treatment with the best ear drops for children with glucocorticoid hormones. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects.

For children, convenient and effective ear drops are:

• in the neonatal period – drugs with a combined therapeutic effect of Polydex, Otofa, Anauran
• after 3 years – antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drops Sofradex, a means for dissolving sulfur plugs A-Cerumen
• over 6 years – antifungal Candibiotic
• for adolescents from 12 years old – antibacterial Dancil
• over 15 years old – antibiotic Tsipromed

Pregnancy treatment

Any medications for pregnant women are prescribed by a doctor. It takes into account the gestational age and clinical diagnosis. In the first trimester, the use of many drugs is prohibited due to the possible negative impact on the developing child, so the choice of drops is also limited.

If the infectious nature of the disease is established, you need to be treated with safe medicines that have passed clinical trials and do not harm the unborn baby. Before buying drops, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions for their use.

There are no restrictions on pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• A-Cerumen
• Remo-wax
• Otiliz

Used only when absolutely necessary:

• Candibiotic
• Otofa

Studies of the latter group of drugs during pregnancy have not been conducted. Their doctor prescribes in the absence of an alternative.

Drops with essential oils Vaxol and Cerustop are not used in pregnant women.

Which drops to avoid

In the treatment of ENT diseases, situations sometimes arise when ear drops cannot be used:

• Some drugs can cause auditory receptor toxicity (e. g. aminoglycoside antibiotics).
• Some products should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding (fluoroquinolone antibacterial drops).
• The doctor is well aware that alcohol-based ear drops are completely unacceptable for a damaged eardrum – you can permanently lose your hearing.

You can not use drops according to one template for everyone – many are not suitable for treating a disease in a particular patient:

• Do not administer antifungal drops unless a fungal infection is confirmed.
• Most local anesthetic drops should not be used if the membrane between the outer and middle ear is broken.
• There are drops that are used in the opposite situation of (Normax and Otofa work when the membrane is damaged). It is useless to try to treat them with acute otitis with a whole eardrum – the drugs simply do not reach their destination.

How to properly bury your ears

There are several simple recommendations, according to which you need to correctly instill drops in the ears of a child or an adult. Only then the drugs bring tangible benefits:

• Only those recommended by the doctor are suitable for the treatment of the disease. It is not necessary to arrange an approbation of the entire home first-aid kit, you need to use drugs intended for a specific disease.
• Since most drops are stored in a refrigerator, the vial should be warmed to room temperature before being instilled into the ears .
• Before using the drops, the adult patient is asked to tilt his head towards the shoulder, and the child is asked to lie on his side on the healthy side .

• In order to correctly instill drops into the ear, you need to slightly pull it up and only then direct the required amount of the drug into it. In this case, he will hit exactly the destination.
• Drops must not be overdosed . Their number should be consistent with the doctor’s prescriptions or instructions for the use of the drug.
• After instillation, ask the patient to lie down for 5-10 minutes on the healthy side . During this time, the medicine gets to the sore spot and begins to act.
• Wipe the ear with dry cotton and remove excess drops. It is not necessary to close the ear canal with cotton wool. For the other ear, similar actions are repeated.

It is worth recalling that ear preparations are the same medicines as those that are introduced into the body in other ways. They cannot be used “just in case” and without a doctor’s prescription, so as not to subsequently treat unwanted effects and complications.

Terminals

1. Ear drops are a convenient dosage form for the treatment of pathological processes in the outer and middle ear. The use of drugs strictly for their intended purpose and taking into account contraindications ensures a stable positive effect of treatment.

2. Topical application of drugs is well tolerated by patients, side effects are rare and are mainly associated with a violation of the instillation technique.

3. A variety of types of ear drops allows them to be used in different clinical situations. You can always choose the most suitable option, taking into account the composition of the drops and the patient’s diagnosis.

4. Self-administration and uncontrolled use of drops is dangerous. The right choice depends on many additional factors – the prevailing symptoms of the disease, age, the presence of allergies to medications. An ENT specialist can take into account all individual characteristics and prescribe the correct treatment.

5. The doctors of the Nashe Vremya clinic strictly adhere to the principles of evidence-based medicine. Decisions to prescribe medicines are made on the basis of reliable scientific evidence about the effectiveness and safety of medicines.

Sources

Otitis media acute. Clinical guidelines RF 2021. https://diseases.medelement.com/disease
Modern pharmacotherapy of inflammatory diseases of the external and middle ear.