Ear Problems

 

Common problems such as inflammation, infection or a build-up of wax can affect the ears. The treatment of these problems is generally straightforward with the right diagnosis. The diagnosis of more serious ear problems is best made by a doctor who can examine the ear with a special instrument. Talk to a pharmacist about what treatments are best for you and when it is advisable to see a doctor.

 

Common ear problems

 

Ear wax is produced normally in children and adults. It usually moves outward along the ear canal assisted by repetitive movements such as chewing and yawning. Wax blocking the ears is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss.

 

Symptoms:

 

• Pain

• Discomfort

• A feeling that the ear is blocked

• Gradual hearing loss.

 

Treatment:

The ears can often be unblocked using ear drops. If any wax remains after this treatment, a doctor may need to syringe your ears - ask a doctor or pharmacist.

 

Otitis externa

(imflamation of the outer ear --anal)

The outer ear canal is the skin-lined canal which leads into the ear as far as the ear drum. Inflammation is most commonly caused by an infection, and is often triggered by excess moisture or trauma. This is also known as swimmer's ear or tropical ear.

 

Symptoms:

 

• Pain, often made worse by movements such as chewing

• Discharge from the ear (may be smelly)

• Itchy ear

• Mild hearing loss.

 

Treatment:

See a doctor. In the meantime take a pain reliever - ask a pharmacist.

 

Foreign Body

Another cause of inflammation of the outer ear canal is a foreign body This can be a small insect, the tip of a cotton bud, or as a result of children putting objects in their ears.

 

Symptoms:

• Smelly discharge

• Noise if object is an insect.

 

Treatment:

There are many old household remedies to remove insects from inside the ear, however some may damage or sting the ear further. It is best to see a doctor for removal of any^, foreign bodies

 

Otitis Media

(Infestion of thr middle ear compartment)

Between the outer ear and the middle ear is the ear drum (tympanic membrane). The pressure in the middle ear is kept normal by a small tube (eustachian tube), which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. An infection typically starts with a common cold, especially in children, which leads to blockage of the eustachian tube and fluid builds up in the middle ear. This fluid can then become infected with bacteria.

 

Symptoms:
• Pain
• Temporary deafness.
• Discharge

• Fever

• Irritability - In babies, there may be continuous crying, waking at night, screaming (at intervals), rubbing or pulling at the ear.

 

Treatment:

Antibiotics are not always needed as the infection usually clears on its own and antibiotics do not help with pain relief - see a doctor. Take a pain reliever - ask a pharmacist. Children should be reviewed in 24-48 hours if there is no improvement.

 

Glue ear

Some children who get frequent otitis media develop glue ear. This occurs because the fluid which forms in the middle ear does not drain out completely.

 

Symptoms:

• Hearing loss
• Fever

• Runny nose

• Swollen glands.

 

Treatment:

If severe, a minor operation is needed with tiny tubes (grommets) inserted so the fluid can drain out through the ear drum.The inner ear

 

The inner ear

Problems in this area can cause problems with both hearing and balance. The most common cause is infection, usually viral.

 

If there are problems with hearing or balance, see a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

 

Self Care
Wax

 

• Let the ear clean itself - as wax comes out of the ear canal, wipe it away with a cloth wrapped over your finger; nothing smaller than this should go near the ear canal.Do not clean the ear canal with hairpins, cotton buds etc. - it can push wax further down the canal.

 

Otitis externa

• To prevent swimmer's ear, use drying ear drops before and after swimming, and/or water-repelling ear plugs. Ask a pharmacist.

• Shake water from the ears after swimming.

 

Foreign body

• Do not poke anything into the ear canal to try to remove a foreign body.

 

Otitis media

• Treat a runny nose or blocked nose with a nasal decongestant to keep infection from moving up the eustachian tube to the middle ear. Ask a pharmacist.

• A warm cloth or cold pack may help relieve the pain.

• Try to avoid swimming with a stuffy nose.

• It is sensible to avoid deep diving as water may enter the middle ear.

• Oral decongestants can be useful if flying after an ear infection - ask a pharmacist.

 

Glue Ear

• Children with grommets are advised not to get water into the ear.
• Water-repelling ear plugs when swimming may be helpful.

 

 

Important Note:

Take children who have earache to the doctor as soon as possible. See your doctor if any of the following occurs with an ear problem:

 

- Pain lasting more than 24 hours

- Fever, dizziness, stiff neck

- Discharge

- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

- You can not walk properly.

 

If you have had a discharge from your ears, a recent ear infection or have had a burst eardrum in the past, do not use eardrops unless you have had your eardrum checked first

 

Source: Pharmaceutical Society

 

 

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