Have you heard about these ear infection strategies? We talked to Satvir Gill, Pharmacy Manager at Otter Co-op in Abbotsford, B.C., about what causes ear infections and what can be done to treat them.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection happens when bacteria occupying the upper part of the throat behind the nose (nasopharynx) invade the middle ear. Ear infections can also be caused by viruses, but this is much less common.
“Ear infections are often preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, which compromises the defense systems in the respiratory tract,” Gill told us.
What are possible risk factors for developing ear infection?
Ear infections most commonly occur in children between the ages of six and 18 months. Other risk factors include sleep position, exposure to tobacco smoke, genetic factors, family history and some underlying conditions such as cleft palate or Down’s syndrome.
What are the signs and symptoms of ear infection?
Signs of an ear infection may include visible rubbing or tugging of the ear, earache, excessive crying and irritability in children, and vertigo. Other symptoms may include fever and vomiting, as well as upper respiratory tract infection symptoms such as coughing and runny nose.
Potential but rare ear infection complications include a skull bone infection called mastoiditis, a ruptured eardrum, intracranial infection, facial paralysis and meningitis.
How can ear infection be prevented?
You can reduce your chances of getting an ear infection by washing and sanitizing your hands frequently, checking for undiagnosed allergies and treating them, receiving your annual flu shot and if applicable your pneumonia shot, and avoiding cigarette smoke. Children who are breastfed have lower chances of contracting an ear infection. Avoiding pacifiers for infants and children is also recommended.
How is an ear infection diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor will diagnose an ear infection with an otoscope to examine the ear and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
“In adults, using painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) in conjunction with increasing fluid intake is sufficient until the infection subsides,” said Gill.
In children, antibiotics may be used in addition to painkillers, rehydration and careful monitoring. Not all ear infections, however, require antibiotics, and unnecessary use can contribute to resistance. Gill explained that most infections are adequately treated with pain medication and careful monitoring until the infection subsides on its own.
How can my pharmacist help?
Your pharmacist will help you get all the answers you need, guiding you on how to take medication prescribed by your doctor and what to expect in the next few days. Pharmacists will assess if the written dosage is accurate, note other foods or medications to avoid and explain the steps to follow if the condition worsens or medication causes unwanted side effects.
Your pharmacist can also walk you through how to use over-the-counter pain medications, noting interactions with your current medications if applicable, dosing frequency and maximum daily dosing. Pharmacists may help with referral to a physician (especially in the case of children) and may also serve as a source of moral support while the infection passes.
For more information about ear infections, talk to your Co-op pharmacist today.