Otitis Media Treatment - Middle Ear Infection Treatment

What to expect after otitis media treatment?

Mild and acute ear infections generally clear up with antibiotics within 3-5 days, but the patient should complete their antibiotics course to prevent recurrence of the infection. However, for chronic ear infections, surgery becomes necessary which has a longer recovery period. With myringotomy, complete healing usually occurs within 4-5 weeks. However, with tympanostomy, ear tubes generally remain in the ear for around 6-12 months, after which they fall out on their own.

How to prevent recurrence of otitis media?

You can prevent the occurrence and recurrence of otitis media by following the given preventive tips:

• You should not smoke and avoid exposure to smoke as much as possible as smoke from cigarettes, even second-hand, can increase the risk of ear infections.
• Always carry your allergy medications and avoid exposure to your allergens as much as possible. Allergies can result in inflammation of the ear canal, along with mucus drainage that can block the eustachian tube and make ear infections more likely. 
• Make sure you avoid exposure to viruses and bacteria that can lead to common cold, flu, etc.
• Follow a healthy diet to strengthen your immune system.
• Adenoid enlargement is also often associated with ear infections, so if you have adenoiditis, you should seek treatment for that.
• Keep up with your and your child’s vaccinations, especially in their formative years.

What happens if otitis media is not treated on time?

If not treated in time, otitis media can lead to long-term complications such as:

• Infection in other parts of the head like sinuses, brain, etc.
• Permanent hearing loss
• Delayed or distorted speech and language development in children
• Eardrum perforation due to persistent increased ear pressure

Which home remedies can help treat middle ear infections?

Some common home remedies that can help treat and prevent ear infections are:

• Over-the-counter ear drops, pain and fever medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, etc. can provide symptomatic relief to the patient.
• Ear massage using a warm compress for around 20 minutes 5-6 times a day helps reduce inflammation in the infected ear.
• Proper sleep and rest boost the immune system and help it fight off the infection more easily.
• Saltwater gargles help soothe the throat and ease symptoms of the infections.
• Hydrogen peroxide has proven to be very effective in fighting off ear infections. Just place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear for a few minutes and then drain it out. Be careful not to put too much peroxide and to not let it sit too long.
• If you are prone to allergic reactions, manage your allergy and control all contact with your allergens.
• Do not insert a Q-tip in your ear whether to clean it or to remove infectious drainage.