Ear Infection

Ear infections are often accompanied by a fever. An infection in the middle ear can be very painful. An ear infection treatment should not only clear up the infection but should also alleviate the pain.

There are two general types of ear infections: viral or bacterial. Antibiotics used to be the standard form of treatment, but that has changed in recent years. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistant certain strains of bacteria become to them. Therefore, often times administering antibiotics is less effective than following a home ear infection treatment.

Although home remedies can be useful, there are occasions when antibiotics are still the preferred method of treatment. A sustained temperature of 101 degrees or more can become dangerous, and antibiotics such as amoxicillin can help bring down a fever. Children at or under two years old run the risk of permanent hearing damage from chronic ear infections and can benefit from a course of prescription medication.

With the exception of the above-mentioned instances, most people can avoid extensive antibiotic usage and allow their bodies to take care of themselves. Taking pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help reduce the pain, especially during the evening or when lying down. Patients under the age of 20 run the risk of contracting Reye’s syndrome from taking aspirin, so it is advised that they use another form of pain reliever. Applying a warm compress or washcloth or using a heating pad set at a low temperature also decreases pain. Resting allows the body to use its energy to fight the infection. The head should be kept erect to permit the middle ear to drain properly. The patient should drink plenty of fluids and avoid smoke from cigarettes and other sources. Adults and older children can use a salt-water gargle to relieve ear pressure and congestion.

Ear infections are more prominent in children than adults. In some cases doctors may opt to place tubes in the eardrums of children who experience infections at least four times a year or those who have three infections in less than a six-month span. The tubes help the fluid in the middle ear to drain and keep it dry. Tubes stay in place anywhere from 6-18 months and generally push themselves out without the need for removal surgery. In cases where tubes have not fallen out after 2-3 years surgery may be require to remove them. Although tubes are very effective, sometimes the procedure needs to be repeated. Often times doctors will perform an operation known as an adeniodectomy with the second tube placement to make sure the ear canals are not blocked and airflow is normal. While inserting ear tubes is an invasive procedure, it is often the best form of ear infection treatment for children with chronic infections.