Ear Infection

What is an ear infection?

Ear infections are painful conditions where the middle or outer ear becomes infected. They often occur due to a bacterial or viral infection and seem to impact children more than adults. While many forms of ear infections will gradually disappear, bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. Before seeking treatment for your ear infection, it's essential to understand which type you have.

Middle ear infections (Otitis media)

Children are most at risk of a middle ear infection because they usually occur due to blockages in the Eustachian tubes and common colds. They typically impact the space behind the eardrum, causing inflammation and pain. While many middle ear infections are viral, some are bacterial. In severe - and rare - cases, the eardrum can burst, which causes excess puss. People who experience regular middle ear infections might develop chronic otitis media, resulting in damage to the ear and potential hearing loss.

Serous otitis media

Babies and toddlers are most at risk of serous otitis media (glue ear) caused by an accumulation of pus and fluid. While many babies are cured with antibiotics, chronic cases might require grommets.

Outer ear infections (Otitis externa)

Outer ear infections affect the eardrum and outer ear canals, resulting in severe inflammation and often pain. These infections can often occur in adults, as water in the ear or excessive cleaning are usually the root causes. Also known as swimmer's ear, the infection can impact your hearing and is most painful when pulling on the ear. In most cases, the symptoms will improve with time and homecare measures, but they can also be classed as bacterial infections.

Inner ear infections

The inner ear is integral to a person's ability to hear and balance. When an infection occurs, you might struggle to maintain balance or not hear what people say. They're often referred to as vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis and can cause vertigo and other symptoms. While these ear infections often occur due to the aftereffects of a cold or flu virus, they can also be spontaneous.

Acute mastoiditis

Acute mastoiditis is a more severe ear infection requiring urgent treatment. The mastoid bone behind the ear sometimes becomes infected after a middle ear condition, resulting in extreme pain and discharge. Not seeking treatment puts you at risk of deafness, facial paralysis, meningitis and even blood poisoning - with the latter two being potentially fatal (Science Daily).

Infectious myringitis

Another rare but possible ear infection is infectious myringitis, which impacts the eardrum. When bacterial infections or viruses impact the area, the eardrum might respond by forming small and painful blisters. When high temperatures occur with the blisters, it's usually a sign of bacterial infections. You'll need to see a GP for antibiotics and monitor the condition.

The symptoms of ear infections

Most ear infections cause a range of symptoms that make them easy to identify. However, it's important to remember that these conditions can vary in severity, depending on your type. Common ear infection symptoms include:

• Pain inside and around the ear
• Itching or general discomfort around the ear
• Feeling pressure from the ear
• Feeling sick and vomiting
• Lethargy and a general feeling of being under the weather
• Having a temperature
• Hearing problems
• Scaly or dry skin

Diagnosing ear infections

Most people visit their doctor when experiencing ear infection symptoms, and a quick examination of your symptoms is often enough for a diagnosis. The doctor will take your temperature and look inside the ear for signs of an infection, then check your throat and nasal passages. Understanding your medical history also helps your GP, as people with recurrent infections might have an underlying condition. If your doctor thinks the infection could be bacterial, they might take a swap to send for analysis or issue antibiotics.

Treatment options for ear infections

Treatments for ear infections depend on your infection type and whether it's viral or bacterial. A physical ear examination can let your doctor assess whether oral antibiotics might be beneficial, but they won't help with viral conditions.

Outer ear infection treatment

The first step in dealing with an outer ear infection is keeping the area dry and avoiding activities like swimming. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can alleviate discomfort, and most specialists recommend ear spray. Medicines such as Otomize will treat outer ear infections quickly, providing antibacterial relief to decrease pain and inflammation. If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, your GP will issue antibiotics.

Middle ear infection treatment

Middle ear infections often go away independently, and taking medicines to relieve pain can reduce your symptoms. Your pharmacist or doctor might recommend ear drops or Otomize ear spray, but antibiotics are often beneficial if there are signs of bacterial infection. If a child has frequent middle ear infections, a specialist might insert tubes into their ears, which assist with drainage and can prevent them from recurring.

Treatment for severe ear infections

Severe ear infections usually require antibiotic treatment, but you might have stronger antibiotics or take a longer course. If you're experiencing pus or fluid buildup, ear irrigation can help you reduce some of the pressure and relieve pain. Severe infections, including acute mastoiditis, might require hospitalisation to treat different symptoms and prevent them from turning into something more serious.

Homecare measures

While seeking medical help is always a good idea if the symptoms persist, many people find ear spray and simple homecare measures can speed up their recovery. The following tips can help you navigate the symptoms of an ear infection:

• Use a cold flannel on the ear to reduce pain and inflammation. Many people find a combination of cold compresses and heat therapy relieves symptoms.
• Take paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage the pain and decrease your temperature.
• Get plenty of rest and keep your ears dry. While you can still shower, take steps to avoid getting your ears wet.

Tips to prevent infections

• Avoid swimmer's ear by wearing a swimming hat to keep them dry
• Refrain from using cotton buds and gently wash your ears with a damp cloth instead
• After being exposed to water, gently tip your head to the side to let the ears drain
• If you're eligible for flu vaccines, make sure you have them to avoid developing an ear infection
• Remember that viral infections increase your chance of an outer, middle or inner ear infection
• Take your child for regular health checks so your doctor can assess whether they should take precautions to prevent ear infections

Treat ear infections with Pharmacy Online

Ear infections can be challenging, but you can get the support you need with Pharmacy Online. We offer a range of effective treatment options, including Otomize ear spray, proven to relieve symptoms and promote faster healing.

Free online consultation

We ask all patients to take a short online assessment reviewed by a registered pharmacist. This enables us to help you choose a suitable treatment and keep you safe. Once you select your preferred treatment, check out, and we'll ship it straight to your door. With speedy delivery and a dedicated team of pharmacists, you can easily navigate any ear infection and get back to your normal activities.