Prescription ear drops are the mainstay of otitis externa treatment, some of which contain acidifying or drying agents.
Bacterial and fungal otitis externa can be effectively treated withantibioticorantifungalear drops.
Steroid ear drops can help ease itchiness andinflammation.
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An estimated 10% of people will get otitis externa at some point in their life.
This condition can affect all age groups.
Swimming in contaminated water is a common way to get swimmer’s ear.
Other risk factors include:
Will Otitis Externa Heal Without Treatment?
Repeated infections, in turn, can cause the ear canal to narrow, potentially affecting hearing.
Early treatment almost invariably leads to better outcomes.
The diagnosis is relatively straightforward, and the treatment can readily be dispensed by ageneral practitioner.
More complicated cases may require an ENT specialist known as anotolaryngologist.
A swab of your ear canal may beculturedin the lab to determine if the cause is bacterial or fungal.
This helps ensure that the correct treatment is dispensed.
Effective Otitis Externa Treatments
Prescription ear drops are the mainstay of treatment for otitis externa.
Oral painkillers are occasionally prescribed to help ease the pain.
Ear drops commonly prescribed for swimmer’s ear include:
Why Aren’t Oral Antibiotics Used?
Oral antibiotics taken by mouth are not used to treat otitis externa.
The only exception is when the infection has spread outside of the ear canal.
Oral Painkillers
Ear pain is very rarely severe with otitis externa.
Pain can make it difficult to sleep, work, or function.
Oral painkillers, both over-the-counter and prescription, can often provide short-term relief.
This spongy wick is inserted into the canal and expands when drops are applied, securing it in place.
If it lasts longer than three months, it is classified aschronicotitis externa.
These conditions often come and go in flares and can affect both ears rather than just one.
With chronic otitis externa, ear pain is uncommon.
Instead, there may be itching (sometimes intense) along with muffled hearing in the affected ear.
The treatment of chronic otitis externa is focused on resolving the underlying cause.
During flares, corticosteroid ear drops can help ease inflammation and swelling.
Antibiotic ear drops may also be used to prevent bacterial infection.
Children are affected more than adults.
Ear pain, itching, drainage, and hearing loss are possible side effects.
The treatment of otitis externa primarily involves prescription ear drops.
Chronic otitis externa is a persistent condition more often due to allergies, autoimmune disorders, and skin disease.
It is characterized by itching and hearing loss, often in both ears.
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