Ear infection medication can be used to treat ear infections and relieve symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or discharge from the ear. Even so, ear infection medication must be adjusted to the cause, so as not to cause a more severe disorder.
Ear infections can cause discomfort that can interfere with daily activities. In addition, if left untreated for a long time, this condition can lead to serious complications, such as deafness.
Here are the most common types of ear infections:
- External ear infection (otitis externa)
- Acute middle ear infection (acute otitis media)
- Chronic middle ear infection (chronic otitis media)
Conditions Requiring Ear Infection Medication
Symptoms of an ear infection, such as itchy ears, pain, and fever, usually clear up on their own in 2-3 days. This is because the ear naturally has a protective system against infection.
However, if the symptoms do not go away or the infection is severe, ear infection medication is needed to treat it and prevent complications. Here are signs of an ear infection that should be treated:
- High fever
- Ears are very sore or feel full
- Swelling around the ears or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Ear discharge
- Decreased hearing
OEar Infections Based on the Cause
To find out the cause of ear disorders, the doctor will ask the patient's complaints and examine the aching ear. If you find an ear infection, your doctor may also perform additional tests to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
After that, the doctor will give medication according to the cause of the ear infection. Ear infection medications that may be prescribed are:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used if the ear infection is caused by bacteria. The medicine given is usually in the form of ear drops, but if necessary, the doctor will also give you antibiotics to take.
When prescribed antibiotic ear drops, make sure you use them correctly. Antibiotic drops are used in a lying position with the affected ear facing up. Put a few drops of antibiotics, then let stand for 1-2 minutes.
antifungal
Symptoms caused by bacterial and fungal infections can be similar. Therefore, treatment usually begins with antibiotics first. Antifungals are started when the results of additional tests show that the cause is a fungus or if treatment with antibiotics doesn't work.
One of the commonly prescribed antifungal drugs to treat fungal ear infections is clotrimazole.
Anti Virus
Antivirals are usually only given to ear infections caused by: shingles, also known as Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. In addition, viral ear infections are generally caused by upper respiratory tract infections, such as coughs and colds, and can go away on their own.
Pain reliever
Ear infections can cause pain that can make it difficult for sufferers to carry out activities, even have difficulty resting. To overcome this, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Not only that, doctors can also prescribe corticosteroid drugs to relieve inflammation or swelling in the ear.
How to Maintain Ear Health
To avoid infection, you must maintain good ear health. Some tips you can do to maintain ear health are:
Clean your ears properly
Most people clean their ears with cotton bud. Actually, this is not necessary, because the ear already has the ability to excrete its own wax.
You only need to clean the outside of the ear using a clean washcloth or tissue. Cleaning ears using cotton bud can push the wax deeper or even injure the eardrum.
Keeps ears dry
If your ears are damp or wet, it's easy for bacteria to enter and multiply. Therefore, after bathing or swimming, make sure your ears are dry. If you feel water entering your ear, immediately tilt your head and pull the earlobe back to let the water out.
Ear infection medication can treat and overcome complaints due to the development of bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the ear. However, the medication must be adjusted according to the cause of the infection. Indiscriminate use of medication not only makes ear infections not go away, but can also make the condition worse.
If you experience symptoms of an ear infection, such as pain, itching, or discharge from the ear, you should consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.