Guide To Ear Infection Diagnosis And Treatment
Ear Tubes
Ear tubes may be considered for patients who struggle with repeated ear infections that have not responded to other treatments. Ear tubes allow fluid to drain from the ear, and they can prevent future ear infections and improve the patient's hearing. Ear tubes are placed during a surgical procedure that takes ten to fifteen minutes. In children, this operation is done with general anesthesia, though adults may sometimes be able to have this surgery with local anesthesia.
After making a small hole in the eardrum, the surgeon will suction away any fluid. Next, they will put a small metal or plastic tube into the hole in the eardrum. This procedure does not require any stitches or cuts. Patients can go home after the operation, and they will have follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. Generally, ear tubes fall out on their own after six to eighteen months. If necessary, patients can have this procedure more than once.
Decongestants
It surprises some individuals to hear nasal decongestants and other similar medications can sometimes help treat an ear infection. These medications can be very effective, but only in the right circumstances. Some infections won't respond to them. A decongestant can help when there's congestion in the ear. This kind of congestion tends to happen when there's a lack of function or obstruction in one of the Eustachian tubes. Each tube runs from one ear, starting at the middle ear, to the nose, and it's responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear.
A clogged Eustachian tube can lead to feelings of pressure and fullness in the ear. Some patients might also experience ear pain and muffled hearing. If individuals have a condition that affects the sinuses, it might also cause ear congestion. Some of the most common sinus conditions are sinus infections, seasonal allergies, and the common cold. It's also possible that changes in altitude or travel by air can cause problems with the Eustachian tubes, which might be solved by using decongestants.
