How to manage recurrent ear infections?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Ear infections are divided into two main parts:

1. Outer ear infections called otitis externa.

2. Middle ear infections called otitis media which again could be acute and chronic.

Outer ear infections are characterized by constant excruciating pain in the outer part and around the ear. The causes of ear infections are:

1 The most common cause of outer ear infection is constant ear bud or Q-tip usage leading to trivial injury to canal skin and thereby allowing bacteria to penetrate the hair follicle. It is best to refrain from using earbuds or Q-tips at all costs.

2 Seborrheic dermatitis which could be due to scalp dandruff. The dandruff flakes get deposited over the outer ear canal skin causing blockage of skin pores again leading to folliculitis and severe pain.

3 Recurrent fungal infection is seen in moist or humid climatic conditions and is usually characterized by wetness, severe itching, and pain. Applying antibiotic drops in such a scenario can worsen the problem.

4 Most of the middle ear infections are related to nasal allergies and it is always best to avoid exposure to dust and fumes as much as possible. Nasal allergies can lead to ear itching which may tempt you to use earbuds again.

Kindly note that wax in the ear need not be cleaned as the ear is a self-cleansing structure and using anything to clean the ear canal without observation can be dangerous to the skin and middle ear structures.

It is best to show it in person to a qualified ENT specialist for appropriate examination and if you have already had it examined, you can share the prescription with us so that we can suggest a few specific changes to prevent the recurrence of ear infections in future.

I hope this answers your query.

Thank you.

Regards.