We have had several inquiries through facebook about adult ear infections, below is just one example.
Q: I seem to always have problems with my ears, I get ear infections quite a bit.
Lindsey
A: Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer for Danville Regional Medical Center provides some information for us about what causes the infection and how to treat it.
She says, “There are internal ear infections…similar to what children get with pain, fever, and sometimes drainage if the ear drum is perforated.”
She explains that ear infections can also be external, “External ear infections (of the ear canal) are often caused by water in the ears…such as after swimming if swimming frequently. Tugging on the ear can elicit this type of pain if there is an external ear infection.”
Pain relief from internal ear infections:
- Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain.
- If the ear infection does not improve, antibiotics may be necessary
Internal ear infections can be caused by a bacteria or virus and often they will resolve on their own.
Dr. Saccocio finds,”Some studies show that antibiotics may shorten the course of discomfort, but increase side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea from antibiotic use.”
Treatment of external ear infections includes:
Drops are usually used for antibiotics and pain relief.
Check in with your health care provider when you notice the pain so that he or she can determine the source of it and best treatment for you.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement