5 Tips to Keep Recurring Ear Infections at Bay
The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) defines an ear infection as the build-up of fluid behind the eardrum resulting in pain, pressure, and sometimes a temporary loss of hearing and even fever. Ear infections are frustrating and take a while to recover from. But you know what would be a real bummer? If you were to get frequently recurring infections and with it, the symptoms all over again. Thankfully, ear doctors are of the opinion that there are certain measures that one can take to keep your ears healthy throughout the year.
Replace Your Pillowcases Daily
Dirty pillowcases are one of the biggest reasons ear infections are aggravated in some patients. Changing your pillowcases daily in favor of clean replacements is one of the easiest ways to prevent a recurring ear infection from creeping back in. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of scientific research as of yet to support the fact that the bacteria from dirty pillowcases can cause ear infections. However, the vast amount of anecdotal evidence alone is enough to suggest that clean pillowcases can indeed keep ear infections from recurring.
Changing your pillowcases is a simple yet effective way of lowering the bacterial intervention in your environment and in relation, lowering your chances of messing up your Eustachian tube again.
Avoid Contact with Water until the Ear is Better
Ear doctors strongly recommend that water is the last thing you should be near when recovering from an ear infection. When your ear comes in contact with water, the Eustachian canal transforms into an inviting prospect for bacteria. Bacteria thrive in any place, which provides them with ample warmth and moisture. And before you know it, the bacteria is reintroduced, causing a flare-up of symptoms often accompanied by a foul odor.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Living in a region with high humidity might turn ear infections into a seasonal affair, given that moisture is one of the most common triggers of ear infections. Investing in a dehumidifier can turn out to be one of the best investments you make in this regard. A dehumidifier gets rid of the excessive moisture from the air and keeps your home clean and dry.
Ear-Friendly Hygiene Products
Of course, there is no need to switch your hygiene routine completely, but swapping out a couple of products can indeed help with soothing swollen and irritated ears. Use ear balms containing essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus to curb bacterial growth in your ears. Ear doctors may also suggest using ear swabs with non-alcoholic cleaning solutions imbued in them instead of regular cotton swabs.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups with Your Ear Doctor
Finally, the last but arguably one of the most important points - getting timely check-ups from your ENT doctor. It is always a doctor who is best equipped to rule out conditions and probe deeper into why the ear infection recurs so often. If your symptoms are severe enough, the ear doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Now, while antibiotics are an excellent treatment for any sort of infection, you definitely don’t want to be on them for the rest of your life. Once your condition is stabilized, your doctor will be able to help you work out a feasible treatment option.
No One Know Ears As We Do
With 35 years of unparalleled treatment of ear infections and other auditory diseases, Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates has rightfully earned its title as one of the best collectives of ear doctors in Oklahoma City. You can find your nearest provider via our website. Existing patients can avail other facilities via the patient portals.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.