Question 1

how long does it take for swimmers ear to go away with medication?

Accepted Answer

Otitis Externa: Ear drops are needed for 7 days provided they are put properly, pulling the ear, holding the drops in for 20 minutes and tilting head properly on opposite side. At the most it should take 2 weeks after which it should be reevaluated. 
Any worsening of symptoms during that time should be immediately reevaluated, since complication are common esp in diabetics.

Question 2

how do i know my medication is working and that my pain is a normal occurrence with this type of medication? i have "swimmers ear" and what started out as a mild discomfort when first diagnosed, has turned into severe pain affecting my entire ear, along w

Accepted Answer

Yes, : Yes, sometimes it takes a few days before an antibiotic helps.  If it is not improving after a couple of days, you may have to go back.  It is important to get the pus and debris out of the ear to let the medications get down where the infection is.  The ear drops can also sting for the first few days of use.  If you have diabetes or other problem that causes low immune system, this infection will have to be followed very closely to make sure complications do not arise--rare but possible.

Question 3

what is the best over-the-counter medication for an ear infection/swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Any of them: Any of the otc swimmers ear solutions should help to clear it up.  If not working be seen for antibiotics.

Question 4

what happens if you dont treat swimmers ear, will it get better on it own, if not what will happen?

Accepted Answer

: It should get better in a few days. If not you can buy OTC products to use or see your MD

Question 5

is swimmers ear permanent?

Accepted Answer

Not permanent: Swimmer's ear describes infection of the external auditory canal. While the infection can be chronic and recurrent, particularly in swimmers and those who tend to get water or moisture in their ear canals, it is not a "permanent" disease.

Question 6

how can i fix swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Debridement, drops: First thing is removing the debris that accompanies the infection. The next is treating the infection with either antibiotic ear drops, or when there is an intact ear drum, treatment with vinegar/water mixture.

Question 7

reasons for chronic swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Ocean water: The exposure of the ear canal to contaminated water is one cause. If you have recurrent infections of the sinuses, lungs,skin and ears, please discuss an immune work up with your pediatrician.

Question 8

swimmers ear still blocked 7 days?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear or wax: Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.  It can be treated with drops; it is reasonable to try vinegar drops first before obtaining a prescription drop.  If the ear is completely blocked, however, it could be from impacted wax.  This can be softened with hydrogen peroxide then flushed out with warm water.  If neither treatment works, see your doctor!

Question 9

how to tell if i have swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Swimmers ear: If you have a smelly discharge from your ear , it may  and i emphasize it may indicate swimmers ear. Also if gently tug on the pinnacle of the ear and you elicit pain it's a good bet that you have swimmers ear.

Question 10

how to stop the pain of swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Pain reliever: Apart from managing the cause of the infection- bacterial or fungal treatment, to resolve the infection, pain from swimmer's ear can be controlled with the use of pain relievers. Otc pain medications should work quite well. Pain not controlled with these medications, should prompt further investigation.

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Doctor answers about:

Swimmers ear medication

A member asked:

How long does it take for swimmers ear to go away with medication?

A member asked:

How do i know my medication is working and that my pain is a normal occurrence with this type of medication? i have "swimmers ear" and what started out as a mild discomfort when first diagnosed, has turned into severe pain affecting my entire ear, along w

A member asked:

What is the best over-the-counter medication for an ear infection/swimmers ear?

A member asked:

What happens if you dont treat swimmers ear, will it get better on it own, if not what will happen?

A member asked:

Is swimmers ear permanent?

A member asked:

How can i fix swimmers ear?

A member asked:

Reasons for chronic swimmers ear?

A member asked:

Swimmers ear still blocked 7 days?

A member asked:

How to tell if i have swimmers ear?

A member asked:

How to stop the pain of swimmers ear?

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