Earache- Home Suggestions
This couldpossibly be an ear canal infection.
1. Most people are very anxious to control the pain caused by middle ear infections. Use acetaminophen, Tylenol, ASA (Aspirin and others) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others). If there is no improvement in the pain or condition within 24-36 hours, it may be necessary to take a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not relieve pain immediately. We recommend treating yourself with pain medication early and seeking advice about antibiotics during the light of day.
2. Put a warm cloth on the ear for 20 minutes several times daily. This will often help relieve pain.
3. Warm oil drops in the ear canal may give some relief from pain. One can use Auralgan drops or use mineral oil, cooking oil or olive oil. Touch your skin with the oil to test how hot it is before putting it in your ear canal.
For ear canal infections (Swimmers Ear):
1. Do not get water in your ear for 7 days, if possible. If you do, shake your head to remove it. You can also use a blow dryer on low setting, held 6 to 12 inches from the ear, to dry the ear canal. A few drops of a drying agent will help the ear dry faster. Burosol or a mixture of 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon of warm water make good drying agents. Put these drops right into the ear canal.
2.This is an infection which may respond to non-prescription antibiotic drops (Polysporin). Use 2 drops 4 times daily.
3. DO NOT TRY TO CLEAN OUT THE EAR WITH A COTTON SWAB. This may increase your risk of ear infections.
4. You may want to prevent another ear canal infection. Placing a couple of drops of an antibiotic solution (Polysporin) in the ear after a day of swimming or putting a couple of drops of cooking oil, olive oil or mineral oil in the ear canal before swimming may prevent repeat infections. Ear plugs designed to prevent water from getting in the ear canal may also be helpful. You should not use hard plastic ear plugs.
After trying these home suggestions, continue with the questions below.
Is there still pain or fever after 12 to 24 hours therapy?
