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| How to Get Rid of Ear Infection |
NEPAL TRAVEL BOOK, KATHMANDU: Earache is one of the most common conditions people suffer from at least once in their lives. What most people don’t know, however, is that earache is just the general term for either of the two conditions of ear infections: the otitis externa (more commonly known as “swimmer’s ear”) and the otitis media. Of the two, the former is the more common, and is usually what most people refer to when they have an ear infection. Here are some tips on how to get rid of ear infection:
- Clean your ear. The outer ear and ear canal can be cleaned of any drainage and skin flakes in order to get the topical medications to work more effectively. However, don’t do it yourself; you may actually do more harm than good. Instead, have your doctor do the cleaning. He or she can perform this via suction cups or a cotton-tipped probe. If you have to do it yourself, ask your doctor for the proper procedure in doing so.
- Use heat therapy. A warm heating pad placed over your ear encourages your glands to produce more wax and relieve the pain. The heat will also cause the veins and capillaries in and around your ear to dilate, encouraging blood flow and allowing the white blood cells to reach the infected area and fight off the infection.
- Use antibiotic medications. Topical or oral antibiotics can help in fighting off the infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eardrops and corticosteroids to reduce the swelling and itching.
- Use medications for pain control. For pain control medications, take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Keep in mind that if you’re suffering from other conditions such as heartburn or ulcers, consult with your doctor before taking oral antibiotics, especially ibuprofen. They may worsen your other conditions.
- Change your lifestyle for the duration of the condition. While your ear infection is still healing, refrain from activities that may cause water to get into your ear. Activities such as swimming and scuba diving should be kept at a minimum (or avoided altogether) at least until your infection clears.
