Question 1

how long does it take for an outer ear infection to get better?

Accepted Answer

5-10  days: An outer ear infection should start to improve in 5-10 days with appropriate medicine and management.

Question 2

i am 33 yrs old men i have middel ear and outer ear infection so can i take zinc 5gm daily is that prevent infection ?

Accepted Answer

Zinc: If you have disfunction of your eustachian tubes which may be causing your ear infections i don't believe zinc will prevent your infections.

Question 3

does this sound like a cold or ear infection and should i take him to see a doctor now? 2 year old boy with nasal, and eye drainage and his external ear is completley red with having no injury to his ear. his nose is stopped up but he seems to be playing

Accepted Answer

It : It is not common for the external ear to be affected with a middle ear infection (the kind of ear infection you get with colds).  An outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) can cause redness and drainage, but is fairly painful.   Eye drainage, however, can be a sign of middle ear infection.  Since he is 2 years old and may not be able to tell you if his ear feels different, you should give his doctor a call and have him checked out.

Question 4

i have an outer ear infection and have to catch 3 flights tomorrow. what can i do to minimize pain during the flight??? :(

Accepted Answer

Outer vs Middle: Outer ear infections (swimmers ear, external otitist) are not affected by changes in air pressure. Middle ear problems (otitis media - fluid behind eardrum) IS affected by air pressure changes. If outer ear and having pain, risky to take trip. If inner ear - risky to take trip. You can to things like decongestants, antibiotics. Still risky. 
Good luck!!!!

Question 5

how long does an outer ear infection last?

Accepted Answer

Until treated: It can last until successfully treated. Best to see your otlaryngologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Question 6

hello i was diagnosed with an outer ear infection on friday and been on ear drops since. but not getting any better they put a ear wick in to help

Accepted Answer

Ear wick: An ear wick would help distribute the medication better. If that doesn't help, have it rechecked. All the best.

Question 7

is there a good cure for an outer ear infection?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic drops: Usually drops are used, as well keeping the ear dry (no water exposure).

Question 8

can an outer ear infection cause ringing in the ears?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If the swelling of the external ear canal from an outer ear infection is severe enough you can get a temporary hearing loss which can accentuate ringing in the ears.  The ringing of the ears should be evaluated if the ringing persists once the outer ear infection has resolved.

Question 9

can i shower with an outer ear infection that is healing? i also have an ear wick. anything i should be cautious of? do i need to wear plugs?

Accepted Answer

Should be ok: It should be ok to shower. Obviously, without more info such as an exam, it's tough to be sure, but it sounds OK from what you presented.  If you're unsure, you'll have to see your primary care for an exam.

Question 10

will smoking weed with an outer ear infection make it worse, i havent been able to sleep in 2 days and nothing is helping the pain. if i were to smoke would it make it worse or would it help with the pain and not cause any problems?

Accepted Answer

: Weed should not exacerbate the otitis externa but I doubt its effectiveness in acute pain. You may need oral antibiotic and topical drops besides the pain pill(s). Please see your doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

How long does it take for an outer ear infection to get better

A member asked:

How long does it take for an outer ear infection to get better?

A member asked:

I am 33 yrs old men i have middel ear and outer ear infection so can i take zinc 5gm daily is that prevent infection ?

A member asked:

Does this sound like a cold or ear infection and should i take him to see a doctor now? 2 year old boy with nasal, and eye drainage and his external ear is completley red with having no injury to his ear. his nose is stopped up but he seems to be playing

A member asked:

I have an outer ear infection and have to catch 3 flights tomorrow. what can i do to minimize pain during the flight??? :(

A member asked:

How long does an outer ear infection last?

A member asked:

Hello i was diagnosed with an outer ear infection on friday and been on ear drops since. but not getting any better they put a ear wick in to help

A member asked:

Is there a good cure for an outer ear infection?

A member asked:

Can an outer ear infection cause ringing in the ears?

A member asked:

Can i shower with an outer ear infection that is healing? i also have an ear wick. anything i should be cautious of? do i need to wear plugs?

A member asked:

Will smoking weed with an outer ear infection make it worse, i havent been able to sleep in 2 days and nothing is helping the pain. if i were to smoke would it make it worse or would it help with the pain and not cause any problems?

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