Ear infections

An ear infection is a very common condition, with around 1 in 10 adults experiencing an outer ear infection at some point in their life.

The ear is made up of three parts:

1. The outer ear includes the part you can see as well as the canal that leads to the eardrum.
2. The eardrum separates the middle ear from the outer ear. This section contains tiny bones that amplify sound.
3. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals. This is where sounds are translated to electrical impulses and sent to the brain.

Ear infections are divided into three categories depending on the part of the ear that is affected.

Otitis externa (outer ear infection)

Also known as swimmer's ear, this type of infection is an inflammatory condition affecting the ear canal. The ear canal runs from the eardrum to the outside of the ear. It is marked by redness, swelling, scaling, and thickening of the ear canal skin lining.

Some risk factors for otitis externa include:

• Increased exposure to water
• Immune system problems
• Skin conditions
• Having narrow ear canals

Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear and it can be either acute or chronic. It is common in children and can be unsettling.

Most middle ear infections occur when an infection, such as a cold, leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear. This causes the Eustachian tube to become swollen or blocked. The mucus can’t drain away properly, which allows the infection to spread into the middle ear.

Otitis interna (inner ear infection)

This type of ear infection is less common, and usually occurs due to a virus. It can also develop when a middle ear infection spreads to the inner ear.

Many people with these type of infections experience problems with hearing and balance.

Fortunately, most ear infections are not serious and usually resolve naturally. However, you may choose to use a treatment to speed up recovery.

At OnlineClinic, we currently only provide treatment for otitis externa.

Outer ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses. They can sometimes be caused by a fungus, such as a yeast, however this is less common. Occasionally, allergic reactions to certain products (e.g. shampoo) are to blame.

Outer ear infections are also often called ‘swimmer's ear’. This is because increased exposure to water creates a moist environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. This could be while swimming, or due to excessive sweating, or high humidity.

Trauma to the ear canal may also cause bacteria to overgrow. This may be from scratching the ear or the insertion of objects such as cotton buds or hearing aids.

Otitis externa can also be caused by skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Some common symptoms of ear infections include:

Ear infection symptoms

Ear pain

Fever

Itching and irritation

Temporary hearing loss

Discharge from the ear

A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear

Scaly skin in and around the ear

Some of these symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions, such as allergies. You should speak to your doctor if you experience any of the above to get a proper diagnosis.

To diagnose ear infections, your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and examine your ear.

This is done using a special tool called an otoscope, which allows them to take a look at the ear canal and eardrum. If there is any sign of infection, such as swelling or discharge, they should be able to see it here.

Despite many infections being bacterial, antibiotics are not always prescribed. This is because the infection can sometimes clear up on its own without ear drops, however this may take weeks.

Ear infection drops or sprays can help speed up the healing process. These medications usually contain an antibiotic, a steroid or a combination of the two.

For outer ear infections, you should first clean the ear. Do this by gently washing the area with warm water, and dabbing it dry with a clean cloth. You can then apply the medication to the affected area.

At OnlineClinic, we offer the spray Otomize as an outer ear infection treatment. This contains 3 active ingredients:

• Neomycin - An antibiotic which fights the infection
• Dexamethasone - A topical steroid used to control inflammation
• Acetic acid - An antiseptic that stops the growth of bacteria and fungi

If there is no improvement after seven days, you should stop using the treatment, and contact your doctor. You may require a swab of the infection, a different treatment or a referral to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.

Pain relief medicines may also be prescribed to relieve pain and fever.

You cannot always prevent ear infections, especially inner ear infections caused by colds and the flu. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition.

To help avoid outer ear infections:

• Avoid sticking cotton wool buds or your fingers in your ears
• Use earplugs or a swimming cap when you swim
• Try to prevent shampoo from getting into your ears in the shower or bath
• Treat conditions that affect your ears (such as eczema)
• Give your ears a rest from ear devices (e.g. earplugs, hearing aids and in-ear headphones)

Here at OnlineClinic, you can purchase Otomize spray online for the treatment of ear infections. This medication is only available on prescription. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors.

If they approve your treatment, your medication will be sent from our pharmacy. You will get free, next-day delivery in the UK.