Medical Treatment

• Otitis externa

• Most cases are treated with eardrops for 7-10 days.
• These drops contain antibiotic to fight the infection and, sometimes, a steroid to reduce swelling.
• The drops are placed in the ear while the person is lying on his or her side, with the affected ear up.

• The outer ear is gently pulled backwards, and the drops are placed over the opening to the ear canal.
• The ear is gently wiggled for a minute to help the drops penetrate.
• The person should remain in this position at least 5 minutes. Then a cotton ball can be placed over the ear to catch any spill.
• Sometimes a wick is placed in the canal if swelling is severe.

• Some severe cases will require an oral antibiotic as well as the eardrops.

• The person may require strong pain medication for the first few days.

• During treatment and for 1-2 weeks after treatment, water should be kept out of the ear.
• Either an earplug or small cotton ball coated with Vaseline can be used during bathing.

• In some cases the drainage in the ear builds up, and the infection won't clear until it is removed. An otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist), using special equipment, usually will remove this build-up.

• Otitis media

• Most cases are treated with an oral antibiotic for 10-14 days.
• In some cases a decongestant medication is helpful.
• Pain medication may be needed for the first few days.