Also known as acute otitis media, an ear infection is an infection that attacks the middle ear. The middle ear is the space in the back of the eardrum that comprises the ear’s tiny vibrating bones. Children are more vulnerable to ear infections compared to adults. Ear infections treatments in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough usually start with monitoring the problem and managing pain. This is because the infections mostly go away on their own. In certain cases, antibiotics may be used to treat the infection.
Symptoms and ear infections treatment in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough
Normally, the symptoms of an ear infection start rapidly.
Ear infection in Children
In children the symptoms include:
– Ear pain, especially when lying down
– Loss of appetite
– Pulling or tugging at an ear
– Irritability
– Loss of balance
– Sleeping problems
– Headache
– Poor response to hearing or sounds
– Fluid coming out of the ear
– High fever – 100 F (38 C) or more
Ear infections in adults
Common symptoms in adults involve:
– Ear pain
– Trouble hearing
– Fluid drainage from the ear
What causes ear infections?
Most of the time, ear infections happen due to a virus or bacterium in the middle ear. The infection can result from an infection, for example, flu, cold, or allergy. These infections lead to swelling and congestion of the throat, eustachian tubes, and nasal passages.
Ear infections treatment in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough
Can a pharmacist help with an ear infection treatment in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough?
Yes, visit Oakwood Pharmacy and speak to our pharmacist if you suspect you have an ear infection. They will recommend either acidic eardrops or painkillers to help stop bacteria or fungus from spreading.
Infections inside the ear
Antibiotics are not usually given since infections inside the ear normally clear up on their own. However, they may be offered if:
– an ear infection does not clear up within 3 days
– fluid is coming out of the ear
– you have a disease that puts you at risk of serious complications, for example, cystic fibrosis
Outer ear infections
The pharmacist will prescribe:
– antibiotic eardrops – for treating a bacterial infection
– steroid eardrops – to reduce swelling
– antifungal eardrops – for a fungal infection
– antibiotic tablets – for acute bacterial infection
Get in touch if you think you have an ear infection and we will gladly help.