Earache got you saying, “Ow, that hurts!”? You’re not alone. Ear infections are incredibly common, especially in children, but adults can get them, too. The tricky part is that not every earache is an ear infection and different types of ear infections require different treatments.
Middle Ear vs. Outer Ear: What’s the Difference?
Two of the most common culprits are acute otitis media (AOM) and acute otitis externa (AOE).
Acute otitis media is an infection or inflammation behind the eardrum. It often follows a cold or upper respiratory infection. Children may complain of ear pain, have trouble sleeping or become more irritable. A doctor may see a bulging or inflamed eardrum and fluid behind it during an examination.
Fun fact! Many of the vaccines that children get help protect against many of the common viruses that cause ear infections. Another added benefit to making sure the little ones get vaccinated!
Otitis externa, better known as “swimmer’s ear.” This infection affects the ear canal rather than the space behind the eardrum. It can happen after swimming, but you don’t have to be a swimmer to get it! Pain when you tug on the ear or press on the little flap in front of the ear canal — the tragus — is a classic clue.
When to Call in the Antibiotics?
Here’s the good news: not every ear infection needs an antibiotic.
For some children with mild middle-ear infections, we may recommend watching and waiting for a couple of days while treating the pain. Many cases improve on their own. In some cases, waiting does not improve symptoms, “systemic” symptoms may also arise, which may also indicate need for use of oral antibiotics after clinical evaluation.
Swimmer’s ear is a different story. Because the infection is in the ear canal, antibiotic ear drops — not oral antibiotics — are usually the treatment of choice. If there is a hole in the eardrum or a history of ear tubes, your healthcare professional may choose a specific type of ear drop that is safe for the middle ear.
The Most Important Treatment? Treat the Pain!
Whether antibiotics are needed or not, nobody should have to simply “tough out” an earache. Appropriate pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help, when safe for the individual patient and taken according to recommended dosing.
And please resist the urge to put random drops, oils, cotton swabs or other home remedies into the ear. Your ear is not the place for a DIY science experiment!
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical care if ear pain is severe, symptoms are getting worse, there is drainage from the ear, hearing changes develop or symptoms aren’t improving. Young children with significant symptoms should also be evaluated.
In conclusion, the next time your ear starts complaining, don’t panic and don’t reach for leftover antibiotics. Get it checked, treat the pain and let your healthcare professional determine what your ear really needs.
After all, your ears have enough to listen to without adding unnecessary antibiotics to the conversation!
Dr. Ana Martinez is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, Huntsville and Magnolia and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.