Remedies for Otitis

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Introduction

Otitis is an inflammatory process of a predominantly infectious nature that affects the ear. On the basis of the auricular portion involved, several forms of otitis are distinguished: internal (or labyrinthitis), middle (affecting the middle ear) and external (swimmer's otitis).

Ear pain, tinnitus and impaired hearing are three symptoms that are particularly common in all forms of otitis. The disease is usually reversible within a few weeks. However, no symptoms should be underestimated, considering the real risk of complications (eg dizziness, eardrum perforation, deafness, etc.).

The published material is intended to allow quick access to advice, suggestions and general remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Otitis; these indications must in no way replace the opinion of the treating physician or other healthcare specialists in the field who are treating the patient. directly on the ear affected by otitis is a good remedy to temporarily relieve pain

In case of confirmed bacterial or viral otitis, follow a specific antibiotic / antiviral therapy prescribed by the doctor

When swimming, it is advisable to use ear plugs (possibly latex) to protect the ears from water: the advice is particularly useful for the prevention of otitis externa

After a hot bath or swim, carefully dry the external auditory canal with a tissue or a damp cloth

During the night's rest, it is advisable to sleep with the headboard slightly raised (place a pillow under the mattress, in line with the point where the head rests): by doing so, the Eustachian tube is emptied.

It is possible to facilitate the drying of the ear with the help of the hair dryer, kept at a certain distance

Apply emollient ear drops regularly (once a week) - this is especially useful for patients prone to ear plugs

Protect the ears from harmful / irritating substances: for example, women who use hair dyes should insert sterile gauze in the ear (NOT deep) - or better yet cover the ears with a piece of cloth - to prevent the dye. enter the ear

Drink plenty of fluids and try to swallow often: this attitude stimulates the emptying of the Eustachian tubes, accelerating the healing time from "otitis

Swimming on the surface avoiding putting the head under water: patients predisposed to ear infections should avoid swimming in depth (effective remedy to prevent swimmer's ear infection)

of the external auditory canal, therefore favoring the proliferation of pathogens (→ otitis)

Swimming in case of otitis or recent ear infections

Take milk and derivatives immediately after taking antibiotics such as tetracyclines: dairy products can inactivate the drug

Giving aspirin to children under the age of 12: such behavior can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome, liver dysfunction and brain changes

Smoking: smoking, both active and passive, promotes infections, especially in predisposed individuals. Furthermore, smog and smoke pollute the environment with irritants, responsible for the congestion of the Eustachian tubes.

To delay: even if otitis is a relatively light infection, it should not be underestimated. We remember, in fact, that in some cases otitis can cause serious damage, such as deafness and perforation of the eardrum.

with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy to strengthen the immune system

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)

with the improvement or worsening of the symptoms of Otitis. It is recommended to follow a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in fat. to relieve pain and secondary symptoms of otitis, such as:

Paracetamol or acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Acetylsalicylic acid
Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid drug): indicated for severe forms of auricular inflammation.

Local anesthetics (for example, lidocaine) to be used when otitis causes ear pain (generally, anesthetics are found in medicines in combination with other active ingredients useful in the treatment of otitis, such as antibiotics).

Antibiotic drugs: indicated to remove the pathogen involved in otitis.

, very important for strengthening its immune defenses: it seems, in fact, that breastfed babies are less exposed to the risk of otitis.

Regularly wash your ears.

Avoid scratching the external auditory canal, to prevent a possible bacterial proliferation.

can expose the patient to the risk of otitis.