Can You Treat An Ear Infection At Home
It depends on the severity.
Mild-to-moderate ear infections frequently go away on their own. Fortunately, you can usually treat your symptoms at home in these situations. The CDC recommends rest, plenty of fluids, and pain relievers as the main home remedies for ear infections.
But severe ear infections cant, and shouldnt, be treated at home. You may need to take antibiotic or antiviral medications. Antibiotics and antivirals arent available OTC theyre only available with a prescription. In rare cases, your healthcare provider may also need to insert a small tube to help your ear drain.
If you need an antiviral medication, you should start taking it as soon as possible. For instance, if a virus like the flu has led to an ear infection, antiviral medications should ideally be taken within a few days of getting sick.
If you need an antibiotic, time isnt usually as sensitive. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking them right away, or they could recommend that you watch and wait before attempting to treat the infection.
What Causes An Ear Infection
Ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, an ear infection begins after a cold or other respiratory infection. The bacteria or virus travel into the middle ear through the eustachian tube . This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The bacteria or virus can also cause the eustachian tube to swell. This swelling can cause the tube to become blocked, which keeps normally produced fluids to build up in the middle ear instead of being able to be drained away.
Adding to the problem is that the eustachian tube is shorter and has less of a slope in children than in adults. This physical difference makes these tubes easier to become clogged and more difficult to drain. The trapped fluid can become infected by a virus or bacteria, causing pain.
Medical terminology and related conditions
Because your healthcare provider may use these terms, its important to have a basic understanding of them:
Ear Drops For Swimmers Ear
Swimmers ear is typically treated with prescription ear drops. The most commonly prescribed drops combine a corticosteroid to calm inflammation with either an antibiotic or acetic acid.
If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor can prescribe antifungal ear drops as opposed to antibiotic ear drops.
Typical treatment usually involves placing ear drops 3 or 4 times each day for 5 days. Application instructions will vary depending on the prescription and you should follow your doctors specific recommendations.
With prescription ear drops, your symptoms typically improve within 24 hours and are gone in two or three days.
OTC ear drops, commonly containing isopropyl alcohol and glycerin, often focus on helping the ear dry out quicker as opposed to fighting the infection.
OTC pain medication
If your discomfort level is high, your doctor might recommend OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen , ibuprofen , or naproxen to address any discomfort your swimmers ear might be causing.
These would be to lessen the symptoms of pain, not cure the problem itself.
If the skin is scratched, its open for infection.
Recommended Reading: Severe Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
Can You Treat An Ear Infection Without A Doctor
It is possible to treat some types of ear infections without help from a doctor. A middle ear infection may clear up on its own without going to the doctor. Outer ear and inner ear infections may require medical attention depending on the severity of the infection and the bodys ability to fight the infection. Common home remedies and treatments include the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, cold or warm compresses, changes in sleeping positions, and olive oil.
Antibiotics And Other Prescriptions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , using antibiotics by mouth to treat ear infections may not help certain cases of middle ear infections. Antibiotics are not effective against outer ear and viral infections.
The main treatments for outer ear infections are manual cleanings and ear drops. The type of ear drop will depend on what is causing the infection. In the case of malignant otitis externa, intravenous antibiotics are the primary treatment.
You May Like: Z Pack Instructions For Sinus Infection
Do Allergy Medicines Help Ear Infections
No. Allergy medicines such as antihistamines and are often used to dry out excess fluids in the body. The latest clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians do not recommend using antihistamines or decongestants for ear infections. Using these allergy medications to treat ear infections provides little benefit and may cause more harm than good.
When To See A Medical Provider
If you notice persistent ear infection symptoms that dont resolve on their own, call a healthcare professional.
This is particularly important for adults, as a middle ear infection can be a sign of a more serious problem in this age group compared to children.
And if you experience chronic ear infections, talk to your primary care provider, an otolaryngologist , or an otologist to discuss treatment options.
You May Like: Are Antibiotics Used For Sinus Infection
Antibiotics For Ear Infections
A medical provider can diagnose an ear infection by examining the person with the earache and asking questions about symptoms. Typically, the body can fight an ear infection without medical treatment and sometimes antibiotics are not needed.
However, severe middle ear infections or infections lasting longer than two or three days need treatment with antibiotics in a timely fashion.
The best antibiotics for ear infections include:
Can You Get Rid Of An Ear Infection Without Going To The Doctor
Sometimes.
As mentioned, in many ear infection cases, the infection is due to a virus or weak bacteria. Thankfully, these mild infections can resolve without the need to see a healthcare provider.
But in other cases, your immune system may not be able to fight off the infection, causing continued discomfort. You should seek medical attention if you have any of the following:
-
Symptoms that last for more than 2 to 3 days
-
Worsening symptoms
-
A fever of 102°F or higher
-
Pus or fluid coming from the ear
Recommended Reading: Does An Ear Infection Go Away On Its Own
Medicine For Cold And Sinus
Headache, nasal pain, congestion, runny nose and fatigue.
Theres no doubt that these symptoms can make you feel miserable, but it can be hard to tell whats causing the discomfort. Is it a cold or sinus infection? Both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, and treatment is often similar, too. Here youll learn about colds and sinus infections, including cold and sinus medicines.
You May Like: How To Get Of A Sinus Infection
Watchful Waiting Recommended For Otitis Media In Children34
In March 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics published an update to clinical practice guidelines for managing acute otitis media. The update extends the recommended approach of watchful waiting for patients as young as 6 months.
Encourage parents to keep an eye on their childs ears to see if the infection resolves without an antibiotic. Let them know that:
- 70% of ear infections get better within a few days
- Limiting antibiotic use helps ensure medicine works when its needed most
- When antibiotics are used too often, the bacteria theyve been designed to kill in your body can adapt and grow stronger over time, which makes it harder for the antibiotic to fight
- Antibiotics can have side effects
You May Like: Over The Counter Yeast Infection Relief
Types Of Middle Ear Infections
Middle ear infections are called otitis media. When otitis media is accompanied by fluid in the middle ear, ear infections are referred to as serous otitis media, or otitis media with effusion.
Middle ear infections often occur after a cold virus or upper respiratory infection. They are also more common in individuals who suffer from allergies or enlarged adenoids , which can inhibit proper functioning of the auditory tube.
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi often enter through the auditory tube, which can then become swollen and blocked with mucus, preventing drainage and ventilation of the middle ear.
The main symptoms of middle ear infections include:
- Ear pain, which may be worse in the morning or cause difficulty sleeping
- Trouble hearing
A healthcare provider can diagnose a middle ear infection based on symptoms and an examination, which involves looking at the eardrum with an otoscope.
Also Check: Does Urgent Care Test For Yeast Infections
The Best Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes
Several over-the-counter genital herpes treatments, including natural remedies, DIY measures, and prescription medications, are available. These treatments are not regulated by the FDA and do not meet drug quality standards. Nevertheless, they may offer temporary relief. Below is a look at some of the best over-the-counter genital herpes treatments. Using one of these products may help you to manage outbreaks more comfortably and effectively.
A few people may have a low-grade herpes outbreak and not seek treatment. Others may not have a high level of discomfort from the outbreak and therefore not be concerned about the spread of the infection. However, they should know that herpes is contagious and can spread to others. In that case, a person should use condoms whenever possible. Taking a genital herpes medication can help you deal with outbreaks and prevent them from spreading to others.
People with herpes are most likely to get the disease during an outbreak. Since herpes simplex is contagious, avoiding contact with an infected partner is the best way to prevent transmission. Using a condom can help limit the risk of infection, but it isnt completely effective. A natural condom made of animal skin isnt effective for this purpose.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Tooth Gum Infection At Home
Ways To Recognize Serious Signs Of Sinus Infections
#1: Duration
The length of the infection is an important determinant of the seriousness of the infection.
I usually consider most infections less than 3 weeks to be viral or inflammation related to congestion. At this point, the best treatment is usually medications that decrease the congestion and inflammation. This in turn will alleviate the symptoms and ultimately cure the illness.
When the illness continues beyond 3 weeks, bacterial infection can begin to develop. Though antibiotics can be considered at this point, other treatments may still be the best answer if they have not yet been given a try.
#2: Mucous Color
I will dispel a myth right here and now. Yellowish/greenish mucous does not necessarily mean the infection is bacterial.
Viruses can cause the same color mucous. The reason for the mucous is generally not the actual bacteria or virus, but the bodys immune response to the intruder.
So dont worry just because you see a colored mucous when you blow your nose. This will also improve as the infection abates.
#3: Sinus Pain
Sinus pain can occur anytime throughout a sinus infection. This is normal and means there is inflammation in the sinuses, as we discussed previously.
However, severe pain, redness over the skin, hardened skin over the sinuses, or even a severe headache are not generally normal and can indicate a bacterial infection.
#4: Fever
A fever can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. So how do you differentiate between the two?
What Type Of Ear Infection Is It
There are two common types of ear infections:
- Otitis media: This ear infection affects the middle ear . Middle ear infections are common in kids and tend to cause trouble hearing, fevers, and pain without much outward signs such as ear drainage or swelling.
- Otitis externa: This infection affects the ear canal, and is commonly known as swimmers ear because water exposure is a risk factor for it. Swimmers ear is painful, too, and tends to have more visible signs such as a swollen ear canal or pus drainage.
There are several home remedies for earaches, says Dr. Nguyen-Huynh. Try these for the first two or three days if symptoms are mild.
Also Check: Antibiotics To Treat Skin Infections
Also Check: Middle Ear Infection Tympanostomy Tube
Why Genital Herpes Comes Back
Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.
It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.
If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.
Triggers can include:
- surgery on your genital area
- a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer
How Do You Buy The Best Over The Counter Bladder Control
- Is it worth buying an Over The Counter Bladder Control?
- What benefits are there with buying an Over The Counter Bladder Control?
- What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective Over The Counter Bladder Control?
- Why is it crucial to invest in any Over The Counter Bladder Control, much less the best one?
- Which Over The Counter Bladder Control are good in the current market?
- Where can you find information like this about Over The Counter Bladder Control?
buying guides for Over The Counter Bladder Control
You May Like: What Causes Weak Bladder In Males
Also Check: Bleach Bath For Yeast Infection
Who Is At Higher Risk For Ear Infections
- Children less than 5 years old, because they have shorter eustachian tubes.
- Children who attend daycare, because they tend to have more colds.
- Children with allergies.
- Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke. Smoke causes inflammation of the eustachian tube, making ear infections more likely.
- Children who were not breastfed. Breast milk has antibodies that help fight infections.
- Babies who are being bottle-fed, especially if they swallow milk while lying too flat. Milk can enter the eustachian tube and cause inflammation, which increases the risk of an ear infection. Children should be held upright while drinking a bottle. When they are old enough to hold their own bottle well, they should be taught to drink from a regular cup and no longer given a bottle.
- Children with cleft palates, as their eustachian tubes are often inflamed.
- Children of First Nations and Inuit descent, though its not clear why.
- Children with Down syndrome.
Pet Md Veterinary Tris Flush Cat & Dog Ear Cleaner
Mild, non-stinging Tris Flush Ear Cleaner For Dogs & Cats by Pet MD was designed to be gentle but effective in flushing out nasty infections from your dog ears, eliminating the root cause of your dog ear infection.
The advanced formulation with active ingredient ketoconazole gently removes unwanted foreign items to restore the balance to your pet’s natural biological environment is the key to our dog ear wash effectiveness. Pet MD Ear Drops For Dogs & Cats are an excellent ear wax remover & cat ear treatment.
A product made in the USA and meets its standard is a good choice for you to get rid of itchy, scaly irritation as well as sticky, stinky, and impacted ear wax. The ear infection treatment for dogs and cats is ideal for routine ear cleaning and is gentle on skin rashes and pet acne.The product also helps save money on vet bills!
Read Also: Can A Tooth Infection Go To Your Brain
How Can I Treat Earache
How you treat your earache depends on what is causing your pain.
If your pain is coming from a build-up of wax, you may need ear drops to soften the wax. You might need to have your ear canal cleaned by a health professional.
If your earache is caused by a middle ear infection, its likely to get better on its own within 7 days and usually wont need antibiotics. Until the pain gets better, you can use simple pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If your earache is caused by an outer ear infection, you may need a prescription for antibiotic ear drops to treat it. The drops may contain other medicines such as steroids.
Never try to remove something stuck inside your ear by yourself ask your doctor for help.
Dont Miss: Antibiotics To Treat Bladder Infection
How Is A Ruptured Eardrum Treated
Typically, no specific treatment is needed for a ruptured eardrum the vast majority of ruptured eardrums heal within three months. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic — either oral or in the form of eardrops — to prevent an ear infection or treat an existing infection. If the ruptured eardrum is causing you pain, the doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Warmth may be applied also to relieve discomfort.
If the eardrum is slow to heal, you may be referred to an ear nose and throat doctor who may place a patch over the eardrum. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ruptured eardrum. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, which usually takes a couple of hours, the doctor will attach a piece of your own tissue to the eardrum to rebuild the eardrum. Surgery is most commonly used for large perforations, for perforations that involve the edges of the eardrum, or for ruptured eardrums caused by an ear infection.
While the eardrum heals, you’ll need to keep the ear dry. That means no swimming or diving until the doctor says the eardrum is healed. You’ll also need to use a shower cap or use water-repellent earplugs in your outer ear when you shower to keep water out. Other precautions include:
Also Check: What Is An Outer Ear Infection