Top 5 treatments available for an ear infection
Ear infections are an extremely common occurrence, particularly amongst children and they need to be treated on an as soon as possible basis. When it comes to treating ear infections, a majority of doctors aim to clear out the infection present within the middle ear, considering that this part of the ear is prone to serious complications. However, the treatment on the whole focuses on eliminating the most prominent causes of the ear infection, along with killing the bacteria that have invaded the system, thereby enhance the immune system of the body and cutting down on any swelling that might have come up in the Eustachian tube.
Using conventional medicines to cure ear infections
The major causes of ear infections tend to be viruses. It is for this reason that doctors typically tend to focus on treating the symptoms rather than the infection itself. It is fairly common for doctors to recommend pain relievers, which are typically inclusive of ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, which will additionally help on reducing the fever while eliminating all other symptoms of the infection. The usage of Aspirin is also highly recommended, but not if the patient is a child for fear of Reye’s syndrome. Here are a few treatments that can be taken up for an ear infection:
Pain management through medications
Your doctor will definitely advise you to use over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophone (such as Tylenol etc.), or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB etc.) in order to alleviate any symptoms of pain that you might be experiencing. However, make sure that you follow the directions given on the labels of these medications as these should not be overdosed upon. If there are any concerns that you have with regards to the medications prescribed to you, make sure that you get in touch with your doctor regarding them right away!
The usage of eardrops
These are basically meant to be used for additional pain relief, and are inclusive of Aurodex or antipyrine-benzocaine-glycerin. However, these are particularly meant to be used by patients who have intact ear drums, not those who suffer from perforated or torn eardrums. It is best for you to refrain from the utilisation of Benzocaine, considering that it, although rarely, can lead to a deadly condition. It must not be used in children who are younger than 2 years of age, without the supervision of a health care professional. Also, adults must never use more than the recommended dosage of benzocaine.
Therapy through antibiotics
Antibiotic treatment is typically recommended by doctors to treat ear infections if the patient suffers moderate to severe pain in either one or both ears for a minimum of 48 hours, or if there is a 102.2 degree F or higher temperature. However, even if the symptoms subside, it is necessary for you to continue using the antibiotic as per directions.
Ear tubes
If fluid builds up in your ear after an infection has been treated, your doctor would be draining away the fluid from the middle ear with the help of ear tubes. For this purpose, a small hole will be created in the ear drum, which would enable your doctor to suction the fluids out.
These are the five most famous treatments that are available for an ear infection. If you suffer from an ear infection, or any other sort of an ailment, make sure that you get in touch with your physician right away!
