Ear Infection Treatment for an Adult

Although adult ear infections are not as common as those found in children, they can be just as painful. Adults require different treatments than babies and young children. Understanding how to prevent an infection or seek treatment if you have one is important.

Problems of the Middle Ear

Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear. Often acute and painful, this type of infection affects hearing, balance and daily living. Middle ear infections occur when bacteria or germs enter the canal. Swelling of the sinus and nasal passages from cold and flu viruses also affect the middle ear. As the condition worsens, pus and discharge may occur. This is a sign of a bad infection.

Treatment

Treating otitis media involves using:

• Antibiotics to kill bacterial and viral infections. It is advised to take the antibiotic in its entirety. Do not stop the medication, even if the symptoms and infection subsides. An infection that reoccurs may be worse than the initial infection.


• Warm compresses to relieve pain. Warm heat circulates blood to the ear and promotes healing.


• Pain medication to relieve pain. It is okay to use acetaminophen and ibuprofen for adult treatment. Tylenol and Advil are often used.


• Prescription eardrops. Never use more than prescribed. Eardrops that contain benzocaine can affect the amount of oxygen in the blood system. When in doubt on how to use the medication, consult a pharmacist or doctor.


• Ear tubes used to drain fluid. The doctor creates a small hole in the ear to drain fluid. He or she then places a small tube inside the incision to allow more fluid to drain. Ear tubes last for up to six months. They fall out after this time; however, those that do not will require a doctor to remove.