“Can ear drops fix an ear infection?”
I have an ear infection. Can ear drops fix an ear infection?
5 Answers
It depends on the type of ear infection. If it is an otitis external (swimmer's ear), yes drops can be effective; however, if there is an otitis media (behind the ear drum), a systemic OR oral antibiotic will be required UNLESS the patient has a tympanoplasty (tubes in ears).
Unfortunately, ear drops can only treat an external ear infection, also known as 'swimmer's ear'. Drops do not get into the middle ear where the typical 'ear infection' bacteria are located. Many middle ear infections will eventually go away on their own without requiring antibiotics, but it can take a week or so. You can use Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed for discomfort. But if the pain persists or worsens, oral antibiotics are required to treat.
Dr. Scott K. Sokol
Pediatrician
There are two kinds of so-called ear infections. the first is an actual infection in the middle ear and usually presents with pain, sometimes fever and usually requires oral antibiotics and some ear drops for pain can help. the other common type of ear infection is an infection of the ear canal usually referred to as swimmer ear. it is also painful and will often have a rather nasty discharge. the treatment is medicine for pain and antibiotic ear drops to clear the ear canal infection.
It is possible for ear drops to help with an ear infection depending on the type of infection, location of infection, and type of drop.
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