1. Wait and See
Both bacteria and viruses can cause ear infections (or otitis media) and only a myringotomy and culture of the inner ear fluid would be able to tell whether it is viral or bacterial. Because bacterial infections are the only infections that will be treated by antibiotics, sometimes the best treatment for ear infections is a "wait and see" attitude. Research shows that 80 percent of children with ear infections show much improvement within two days, even without antibiotic use. Reducing the use of antibiotics is important in decreasing the number of bacteria we have that are resistant to the antibiotics we can use. Decreasing the antibiotics that are used in treating ear infections will help. With this "wait and see" treatment method, pain relief is important. Ask your health care provider what would be the best pain relief option for your child.
2. First Line of Defense
If the "wait and see" approach isn't working and your child continues with ear infection symptoms (ear pain, fever) or the symptoms become worse, it's time for antibiotics. The antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider should be taken as directed and for the full length of time they are prescribed. When you stop taking antibiotics half way through the prescribed time period, you increase the risk of the infection coming back and being stronger. Ear infections may need more than one course of antibiotics to be completely treated. Be sure to head back to your health care provider for your follow up visit and have your ears check to be sure they're free of infection.
3. On To Tubes
Myringotomy is used as a diagnostic tool to decide which bacteria or virus is causing the infection. It is a small incision made in the ear drum that will allow fluid, pus and blood to escape easing pressure and discomfort. A small tube can be placed in the hole to help keep air pressure normal as well as keep the hole open for draining. Tubes are most typically placed in children's ears but can be used in adults. So-called "tubes" are used as a surgical treatment for chronic or ear infections that are not resolved with repeated antibiotic treatment. It is a surgical procedure and is done under general anesthetic but can also be done with topical anesthetic. Special ear plugs will be needed for bathing and swimming once tubes are in place.
4. Take Out the Tonsils
The eustachian tubes of the ears open toward the nose close to the adenoids. When adenoids are swollen or large the opening of the eustachian tubes may be blocked, possibly causing chronic otitis media. Having your tonsils removed, an adenoidectomy, may help reduce the occurrence of ear infections by unblocking the eustachian tube opening. Adenoidectomy can be used alone or along with myringotomy to treat chronic ear infections. Adenoidectomy is surgery and would be done under general anesthesia.
5. Natural Remedies
There are no natural remedies that can claim to cure ear infections, however, there are many natural methods of dealing with the pain and discomfort that comes with an ear infection as well as prevent them from starting in the first place. Reducing your child's exposure to secondhand smoke, herbal ear drops and breastfeeding are three of the most commonly sited methods. Talk with your health care provider if you are interested in fighting off ear infections with natural remedies.
