Ear infections, usually caused by bacteria and viruses, are common worldwide. The bacteria particularly responsible are Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Children are more prone to ear infections than older age groups. About 80% of children have ear infections at some point. Adults too are not immune to such infection, which can become severe if left unattended for a long time.
With every disease comes a financial burden, so obtaining health insurance must be a priority. Thus, keeping yourself protected from financial duress as common as ear infections is necessary. Let us now have a look at the treatment methods for ear infections.
Treatment of Ear Infection
Ear infections can be mild or severe. Here is how ear infection treatment works:
- Waiting and observing: The first step involves waiting a few days and seeing if the infection disappears. A check on body temperature and other symptoms is necessary during this waiting period. Usually, it goes away in a couple of days on its own.
- Home treatments: You can try some home treatments for mild infections. Placing a warm cloth over the affected ear can help soothe pain and discomfort. The warmth may aid in improving blood circulation and easing tension. Also, changing sleeping positions to avoid pressure on the affected ear can contribute to comfort and prevent further irritation.
- Pain medications: Ear infection accompanies pain. Treatment often includes prescribing painkillers. Over-the-counter medicines can relieve pain and reduce fever. Anaesthetic drops, applied when the eardrum is intact, may also provide temporary relief by numbing the ear canal. It's essential to follow recommended dosages and guidelines, especially for children.
- Antibiotics: Health professionals also prescribe antibiotics after assessing the extent of ear infection. These are recommended for specific days, and completing the correct dosage is essential for effective ear infection treatment.
- Ear tubes: Another treatment method includes ear tubes. These are also known as tympanostomy or ventilation tubes and are small, cylindrical devices surgically placed into the eardrum to treat recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid accumulation in the middle ear. This procedure is often considered when other methods, such as antibiotics or a wait-and-see approach, have not effectively resolved the ear issues. It is done through a surgical procedure. A small incision is made in the eardrum, and the tube is inserted to create a tiny passageway that allows air to enter the middle ear.
These are some of the commonly used treatments. While some treatments, such as home remedies, can be adopted without any professional advice, it is important to consult a doctor before administering medicines, both painkillers and antibiotics.