How to help an ear infection in adults?
Ear infections in adults can be as uncomfortable as that awkward first date you had last weekend, but don’t worry we got you covered! Whether it’s swimmer’s ear or otitis media caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi; any form of ear infection means pain. So, what do you do when your head is ringing like a church bell on Sunday morning? Here are some helpful tips to help you soothe and heal your ears:
Symptoms
You know something wrong with your ear with the following signs:
– Pain
– Swelling
– Itching
– Ringing sound
– Leakage
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two days seek medical attention.
Home remedies
Like most illnesses, early intervention yields favourable results. If caught at the onset stage here are home remedies that could help reduce severity:
Garlic oil drops
Garlic oil has antibacterial agents that kill the infection-causing germs. Place 1 drop into each infected passageway twice daily until irritation clears out.
Warm compresses
Don’t crybaby! Apply a warm cloth to your painful ear for heating therapy every couple of hours/day. Heating increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage which helps fight inflammation and speeds up healing.
Over-the-counter medication (OTC)
Pain killers such as ibuprofen will alleviate pain, soothe swelling around both inner and outer parts of the infected area.
Remember, adult patients should never put anything straight into their ear canal without consulting their physicians because applying pressure can damage sensitive tissues within; indirectly leading to worsening conditions.
Essential oils
Essential oils act harshly on bacterial cells consequently clearing away unwanted microorganisms – thereby reducing pains alongside other symptoms.Mix three each drops tea tree essential oil with good-quality carrier oil like almond/sunflower seed and place a few drops in the affected canal.
Medical Treatment
If symptoms persist for more than two days or become severe, consult your doctor to prescribe a correct drug that fits your diagnosis. Antibiotics usage will depend on what kind of bacteria caused the infection?
Ear Drops
Ear eardrops prescribed by physicians often contain steroids or antifungal medication which helps clear out unwanted microbial cells whilst reducing swelling and pains.
Oral Antibiotics
Doctors would recommend taking oral antibiotics when ear infections are as a result of an underlying major health condition. Control those raging symptoms with prescriptive medicine like amoxicillin which kills specific bacterial cells leading to faster recovery day-by-day.
Surgery
In extreme rare cases, patients sometimes may undergo ear surgery If things get worse whereby doctors drain pus from abscesses commonly associated with such intense situations thereby easing pressure off tissues.
Prevention
Prevention is better than cure; so next time you’re jumping into dirty water for activities like swimming. Here how to prevent infections:
Avoid Smoking
The toxins found inside tobacco smoke hinders natural defenses within the body especially if one has experienced episodes previously.
So, do away with them cigarettes fam unless you want Otis syndrome!
Maintain Cleanliness
Hygiene is important not just in bathrooms but at home/across shared living spaces as well. Wipe down frequently used appliances like keyboards/cell phones/water tap handles from daily mishaps/fingerprints – practising simple hygiene measures can go a long way in curbing avoidable illnesses stemming from dirt & bacteria build-up all around us!
Avoid going Solarium?
Ever heard about tanning beds/solariums? Yea…those too they cause sensitivity levels rising up hence making ears prone to irritation/infections due to overexposure o br /> UVb/UVa radiation because our immune systems view us very much susceptible after sunburns.
To sum up, no one likes having an ear infection while trying to listen to their favourite band or during lockdown movie nights. Take advantage of the tips above to lessen your symptoms and get back on track quickly. Ensure you take whatever medication/consultation recommended by health professionals if things get worse!