Read on for some telltale signs that you need a doctor: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention In general, middle-ear infections (otitis media) often result in pain, difficulty hearing, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, mainly due to fluid build-up inside the inner ear and Eustachian tube, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. However, if ear pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away:
A knot or swelling formed under or behind the earDifficulty moving parts of your face in a normal wayPersonality changes — such as a child becoming extremely fussy or lethargicSudden high feverSeizure
Age is also a consideration. “Ear infections are more concerning in very young children, under 6 months of age, who have severe pain or high fever, infection in both ears, or may have a rupture [of the ear drum],” says otolaryngologist David Tunkel, MD, director of pediatric otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. If your young child is showing signs of ear pain (like grabbing at his or her ear), call your pediatrician. At the Doctor’s Office If you go to a doctor for an ear infection, a nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure, and the details about your symptoms, such as how long you’ve had your infection and what you’ve tried at home, says otolaryngology nurse Brenda Speed, RNP, in practice with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Next, a doctor or nurse will look inside your ear to assess your ear canal and your eardrum. They may also look at your teeth, jaw, and neck. Treatment options will depend on your particular infection.
For a middle ear infection: If your doctor sees that your ear drum is swollen and full of fluid or pus, you might be given a prescription for antibiotics. Depending on how severe your ear infection is, your doctor may also suggest managing your symptoms at home before taking antibiotics.For swimmer’s ear: Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal that usually develops after you’ve been in moist environments, like a swimming pool. If your ear canal is inflamed from swimmer’s ear, your doctor might prescribe antibiotic and steroid drops to fight infection and swelling. You may also be given pain medication.
Don’t be surprised if your doctor doesn’t prescribe antibiotics for your ear infection. You can expect an acute ear infection to last one to two weeks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, with any fluid behind the ear drum lingering longer than that. “Many ear infections do not need to be healed with antibiotics,” Dr. Tunkel says. After the Doctor Visit Once you’ve seen your doctor and are back home, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take all antibiotics as prescribed, and don’t stop taking them until the prescribed amount is gone — even when you feel better. Go back to see your doctor for follow-up, or earlier if your symptoms don’t begin to improve within a few days. Managing Ear Pain at Home If your doctor recommends that you continue treating your ear infection at home, or if you decide you can treat your or your child’s infection on your own, there are several ways to manage the symptoms, including:
Use pain meds. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most effective ways to control pain, and can also help with fever, Tunkel notes. Keep track of your fever and how it responds to medications.Target the congestion. Otolaryngologist Eugene Chio, MD, an assistant professor in the otolaryngology department at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, recommends over-the-counter decongestants if you suspect that congestion is contributing to your pain.Use a hot compress. “Warm, moist heat to the ear can help you feel better,” says Speed. Soak a washcloth with warm water, wring out the excess, and hold it against your ear.Try the “warm steam” approach. The steam from a bath or shower can help loosen congestion and ease your discomfort.“Pop” your ears. This will help the fluid drain, says Speed. Hold your nose, close your mouth, and try to force air into your nose. You should hear or feel a “pop” in your ear.Try a vinegar and alcohol rinse. If you suspect that you have swimmer’s ear, try putting a mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol into a dropper and inserting the liquid into your ear, Dr. Chio says.Eat soft food. If your ear pain is worse when you chew, swallow, or yawn, try eating softer foods, Speed suggests.
If these approaches don’t work, you should go — or go back — to your doctor or pediatrician. “If symptoms do not improve after a day or two or if symptoms are severe, go to the doctor,” Chio says.
