Understanding Swimmer's Ear -- Treatment
What Are the Treatments for Swimmer's Ear?
Swimmer's ear is usually not a dangerous condition and often clears up within a few days after starting treatment. However, if untreated, it can become extremely and surprisingly painful. In rare cases, especially in diabetes patients or anyone with problems with their immune system, the infection may be more difficult to treat and can spread and damage underlying bones and cartilage, requiring hospitalization.
Your doctor may gently clean your ear with a cotton-tipped probe or a suction device to relieve irritation and pain. Also, antibiotic ear drops are necessary to treat this problem. But if there is too much swelling or drainage from the canal, drops may not go in. If so, your doctor will most likely put in a small wick, a skinny one inch-long piece of dehydrated sponge, that will go in past the blocked area. When drops are applied to the wick, they will be able to seep into the canal and pass the blockage. This will provide quick relief, usually within six to eight hours.
Understanding Ear Infection -- Symptoms
In adults: Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain) A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal Nasal congestion may accompany or precede an ear infection but is not a symptom of it A feeling of fullness in the ear Nausea may accompany an earache Muffled hearing Ear drainage In children: Tugging at the ear Poor sleep Fever Irritability, restlessness Ear drainage Nasal discharge Diminished appetite ...
Read the Understanding Ear Infection -- Symptoms article > >
You may also be given a prescription for antibiotics to take by mouth as well as pain medication, if needed.
Keep water out of the infected ear during the healing process. If the infection does not improve within three or four days, the doctor may prescribe different medications.
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