Ear infections can be the cause of severe pain and discomfort in people. They can happen at any time of the year in people of all ages. Many people believe that ear infections are limited to children only. However, the truth is adults can get them as well. It is true that ear infections are lesser in adults and older children, but both of them suffer from mild to acute pain when faced with an ear infection. When faced with an ear infection, it is prudent to consult a doctor who will prescribe antibiotics for eliminating the pain.
How to treat ear infection and pain?
In most cases, ear infections go away on their own however, there are rare cases where you need medications for the above. Some people treat ear infections at home however doctors advise against the above. They recommend you prescribed pain relief optionsas per the nature and severity of the condition. Home remedies like warm or cold compress help you to alleviate the condition however they suggest you take medication for safely alleviating the pain.
Oral antibiotics versus ear drops for ear infections
Most doctors prescribe oral antibiotics for mild to acute ear infections. You will find oral antibiotics in both liquid and pill form. They are strong medications that kill the bacteria in the ear. However, most of them have side effects and mostly not recommended for use by doctors. These side effects include rash, vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhea and other harmful side effects. Most oral antibiotics can be purchased over-the-counter. However, if the infection is serious, you would need a doctor’s prescription for it.
The advantages of antibiotic ear drops
Antibiotics for pain relief for ear infections are available in the form of ear drops as well. They can kill the bacteria in the ear faster. Unlike oral antibiotics they do not reach the bloodstream of the person- they go directly to the infection.
When are antibiotics safe?
Antibiotics in the form of ear drops are safe and effective for people that suffer from Swimmer’s Ear- this is an infection caused in the ear by water. They are helpful for children that have tubes inside their ears. They often suffer from infections in the middle ear or eardrum. To arrest the growth of bacteria in the middle ear, doctors prescribe ear drops to work on the targeted area for them. The infections behind the tubes are prevented with the aid of these antibiotic ear drops; bacteria can be killed through these tubes. Those children that do not have ear tubes are often prescribed oral antibiotics for middle ear bacterial infections.
Medical professionals say that oral antibiotics for ear pain and infections are not expensive however in case the infection is serious, the child might be recommended more visits to the doctor or hospital visits. Doctors who specialize in the above field say that children who are ill with ear tubes or in case the infection does not go away should be prescribed with oral antibiotics that are stronger to eliminate the pain!
