What Is the Fastest Way to Cure an Ear Infection?

Dr.Abhinit Kumar, 2 mins read

Dealing with an ear infection is the real pain — literally! However, there are numerous medical and home remedies to deal with it. So, why suffer? Know what can help you out.

Home Remedies

Warm Compress: A warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce discomfort and pain. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it against the ear for 10-15 minutes.

How to Prevent Worsening of an Ear Infection?

Keep Your Ears Dry: Moisture can exacerbate ear infections. That’s why it is very important to keep your ears dry. So, it is best to avoid swimming or getting water in your ears until the infection has cleared up properly.

Manage Nasal Congestion: If you have allergies or colds, managing nasal congestion can help reduce the risk of ear infections.

When to See a Doctor

If you are having these symptoms, consult a doctor:

• Severe ear pain, fever, or discharge from the ear
• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home remedies
• Recurring ear infections

Medical Treatment

It’s always a good decision to consult a doctor whenever you have an ear infection. Here’s what an ENT specialist usually recommends:

Antibiotics: If the ear infection is caused by bacteria, you may be recommended antibiotics. These antibiotics come in the form of oral medications or ear drops to help clear up the infection.

Ear Drops: Your doctor may prescribe ear drops that contain steroids or antibiotics to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Over-the-counter ear drops can also provide temporary relief from pain. But it’s always good to consult an ENT specialist for the best recommendation.

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are very helpful in reducing fever and managing pain.

Ear Cleaning by Professionals: Normal ears do not need cleaning; however, if a person has a fungal infection, they need cleaning by a doctor.