Ear Drops - Understanding Ear Medication Administration
Ear Drops FAQ
What are ear drops?
Ear drops are liquid medications that you put inside your ear canal. You can buy some kinds of ear drops over the counter. Others require a prescription from a healthcare provider. You should consult a healthcare provider before using ear drops.
Why do I need ear drops?
You may need to use ear drops if you have certain ear conditions, such as: Inner ear infection (otitis media). Outer ear infection, or swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Ear pain. Earwax blockage from a cerumen (wax) impaction. Itchy ears with or without eczema. Ear drainage. Ear fullness. What are the different types of ear drops?
How do ear drops work?
Hold the outer part of your ear (just above your ear lobe) and gently pull back. This helps straighten your ear canal. Place the recommended number of drops into your ear canal. Massage your tragus (the little piece of tissue that sits just in front of your ear canal). This encourages the drops down your ear canal.
Can ear drops help ear infections?
In addition to ear drops, OTC pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease ear pain. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for middle ear infections that do not resolve on their own. Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops may be used to treat outer ear infections, while corticosteroid (steroid) ear drops can help ease inflammation and pain.
Do ear drops help ear infections?
Anesthetic ear drops can help alleviate pain and swelling caused by ear infections. They aren’t often recommended, though, because they do not treat the infection, and other OTC pain relievers can be used such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).
Ear Drops References
If you want to know more about Ear Drops, consider exploring links below:
What Is Ear Drops
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24654-ear-drops
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/otc-ear-drops-5185442
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ear-infection
- https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/how-to-use-ear-drops/
- https://mydr.com.au/medicines/otodex/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/how-to-use-ear-drops
Ear Drops Information
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