Table of contents:
- Various medical treatments to cure otitis externa
- 1. Clean the ears
- 2. Ear drops
- 3. Pain relievers
- Pay attention to the following during medical treatment
There are various types of infections that can attack the ear at any time. One that often occurs is otitis externa, aka swimmer's ear. It is so named because otitis externa is usually experienced by people who like to swim. So, what medical treatment can be given to cure otitis externa?
Various medical treatments to cure otitis externa
External otitis is not too familiar to sound. Broadly speaking, otitis externa is an infection due to the entry of water into the inner ear, for example, when you are swimming. As a result, the ear becomes damp and triggers bacterial growth.
There are various natural home remedies that can actually help treat this swimmer's ear infection. However, doctors usually will suggest several medical treatment options for otitis externa.
The main goal is to stop infection, as well as restore ear function to normal. The following are various treatment options:
1. Clean the ears
Source: Sohu
Before inserting the medicine into the ear, the doctor will clean the ear canal first. The goal is that the treatment given will be more effective in overcoming otitis externa.
Given the winding ear canal, cleaning it will make it easy for the drug to enter the infected part. Doctors usually use a special suction device, which will remove all fluid and any wax that is in the ear.
2. Ear drops
After the ears are completely clean, the doctor can prescribe ear drops as a medical treatment for otitis externa. Not just any medicine, but there are various combinations of ingredients in it that support the efficacy of these ear drops.
The type of ear drops prescribed are usually adjusted according to the severity of the infection. The following are ingredients that are usually found in ear drops for otitis externa:
- Antibiotics to fight bacteria.
- Steroids to relieve inflammation.
- Acidic acid or a certain chemical to restore the balance of the condition of the ear canal, so that germs do not easily grow.
- Antifungal drugs to fight infections caused by fungi.
Next, use ear drops as a medical treatment for otitis externa with the proper usage rules. However, if you find that your ear canal is blocked due to swelling and inflammation, your doctor may use an ear wick.
Ear wick is cotton or gauze that is used to help smooth flow in the ear canal, so that the drops can enter the entire infected area. Ear wicks are only used when the external otitis condition is severe.
3. Pain relievers
If this swimmer's ear infection does not work with ear drops, the doctor may take further action. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
Examples include ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Or another option, the doctor can also prescribe medical treatment using oral antibiotics as a way to treat otitis externa.
Pay attention to the following during medical treatment
When in the process of pursuing medical treatment to treat otitis externa, apply the following to accelerate healing:
- Avoid swimming or diving for a while.
- Avoid traveling by airplane for a while.
- Do not use earplugs, earphones, or hearing aids during the treatment process.
- Take care so that the ear does not get in the water when bathing.
However, your task doesn't stop there. After it has been declared completely cured, it is recommended that you be more careful and always keep your ears healthy.
For example, by using ear plugs when swimming, and immediately dry your ears when they are wet.
