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The first step in treating an ear infection is prevention. Prevention measures include using the same precautions that are recommended to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the flu or colds. These include covering the mouth and nose with the elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough and washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. You can also use antibacterial cleaners to clean hands and surfaces. It is also important to avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, which can transmit the virus from your hands into the body.
If possible, it is also a good idea to avoid the use of large day care centers. Do not smoke and second-hand smoke. The breastfeeding of infants provides some protection from ear infections. In addition, getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine prevents certain infections that commonly cause ear infections.
Treatment plans for ear infections are individualized depending on the specific kind of ear infection, the presence of coexisting diseases, the age of the patient, and other factors. Treatment generally involves a multifaceted plan that addresses the infection and helps to minimize ear pain and the development of complications, such as deafness.
Treatment of an infection of the outer ear canal (otitis externa or swimmer's ear) includes keeping the ear dry and using oral antibiotics and/or antibiotic ear drops and corticosteroid ear drops.
Treatment of an infection of the middle ear (otitis media) includes antibiotics and pain medications. In some cases that do not resolve with medication, a surgical procedure may be needed to insert tubes in the ears, remove ear fluid or infected tissue and/or repair a damaged eardrum.
Treatment of labyrinthitis, which can be cause by a bacterial infection or viral infection of the inner ear, includes avoiding sudden changes of position. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Medications, such as meclizine and diazepam, may be used to help minimize vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.
Alternative treatments, home remedies, other other complementary therapies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Ear infection in various sources may include:
Some of the drugs and medications used in the treatment of Ear infection may include:
The following medications/drugs/procedures are some of the latest treatments for Ear infection:
Review the treatment information pages for various causes of Ear infection:
More causes: not all possible causes for Ear infection are listed above; for a full list refer to causes of Ear infection.
Only your doctor can advise whether any of these treatments are appropriate for your specific medical situation. Always discuss all treatment options with your doctor before making a decision, including whether to start or discontinue any treatment plan.
The following list of conditions have 'Ear infection' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.
Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Ear infection or choose View All.
The following list of medical conditions have 'Ear infection'
or similar listed as a medical complication in our database.
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