How to get rid of Ear Infection?

External ear infection or external otitis exhibits almost the same set of symptoms as a middle ear infection. The difference lies in the fact that external ear infection is usually less severe and does not cause dizziness, pain or pressure in the ear, chills or fever. However, this does not mean you disregard the situation.

Different symptoms of external ear infection 

If you are suffering from external ear infection, you are likely to a bearable pain in the ear, secretion of yellowish or greenish puss from the ear and moderate hearing impairment. Usually this form of infection affects the lining of the ear canal connecting your eardrum.  

How external ear infection is caused

The presence of an excess amount of moisture in your ear is the most common cause of an ear infection. The role of ear wax is to eliminate extra moisture from your ear canal and maintain the pH balance in your ear. The presence of chemicals in waters of swimming pool or the shreds of wet cotton wool inside your ear could break down the ear wax and cause infection.

The pH balance of your ear could also be jeopardized by foreign elements like fungus, viruses and bacteria aggravating chances of ear infection. Other factors leading to ear infection are allergies, eczema or damage of the ear canal. Eustacian Tube Dysfunction could be the reason behind chronic ear infection.

How to prevent ear infections

You could stop an external ear infection from occurring by keeping your ear passage dry. You can do this by mixing a little vinegar with water and putting a drop or two of this solution into both ear canals. Afterwards, wipe the passage with a clean dry towel or cotton wool instead of cotton swabs. Placing a warm heating pad over your ear will increase blood flow and encourage wax production, preventing chances of infection.