Most mild ear infections will clear up on their own, but several home remedies and medical treatments can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery[1]:
- Apply a warm or cold compress to the affected ear to reduce pain and inflammation. Alternate warm and cold every 30 minutes to see what feels best[1][4][6].
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain or fever[1][4][5].
- Use over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to help reduce pain[1]. Note: check with a doctor before using if you have a ruptured eardrum.
- Take over-the-counter decongestants if congestion or allergies are contributing to your symptoms[1][4][5].
- Sleep with the affected ear elevated (not pressed into the pillow) or elevate your head with extra pillows to help ears drain naturally[2][4][6].
- Hydrogen peroxide drops can sometimes help with ear pain and wax buildup: place a few drops in your ear, let it sit for a few minutes, then drain. Use with caution and do not use if you suspect a ruptured eardrum or have an outer ear infection[2][4][5][6].
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids to support your immune system[6].
If symptoms persist, worsen, or are severe (such as high fever, significant pain, or drainage from the ear), you should see a doctor. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if your ear infection is bacterial and does not resolve on its own, or for certain children and adults with risk factors. Amoxicillin is commonly used[1][3].
For chronic or severe infections, or if fluid persists in the ear, minor surgical procedures such as inserting ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) may be recommended to help drain fluid and prevent recurrent infections[1][7].
Do not use Q-tips or insert objects into your ear canal. If you have a tube or ruptured eardrum, follow only your doctor’s advice on ear drops and cleaning[5].
References
- [1] Ear Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More – Healthline
- [2] 8 Effective Earache Remedies – Healthline
- [3] What’s the Best Treatment for an Ear Infection? – GoodRx
- [4] Earache Relief: Effective Home Remedies and When to See an ENT
- [5] Best ways to treat an ear infection at home – HealthPartners
- [6] Home Remedies for Ear Pain – WebMD
- [7] Ear infection (middle ear) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
Leave a Reply