EAR, PAIN IN:TREATMENT AND TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS
If you suspect you have otitis externa, it’s important to get treatment for it right away. Applying a heating pad and taking aspirin or acetaminophen will help ease the pain before you can get to your doctor. Your physician will clean the canal and remove excess water with suction or a special cotton swab before prescribing an oral or topical antibiotic medication or eardrops.
A painful ear that’s caused by a change in pressure is easy to fix. If swallowing a few times doesn’t do the trick, head for a lower altitude or just wait awhile. If your ears don’t unclog after a change in pressure, it may be an indication of an underlying problem and you should see your doctor.
To prevent recurring infections, which are common among swimmers, try not to get any water into the infected ear while it is healing. Once the infection disappears, it’s a good idea to wear earplugs whenever you swim, and also to remove all water from your ears when you’re finished.
*212\167\8*
