Understanding Ear Infections in Adults: Causes and Treatments

Posted on 5 February 2024 by Pharmacy Mentor — No Comments ↓

Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Adults

Ear infections are often associated with childhood, but they can also affect adults, causing discomfort and sometimes severe pain. While they are less common in adults compared to children, understanding the causes and treatment options for adult ear infections is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why ear infections occur in adults and discuss effective treatment strategies including antibiotics.

Causes of Ear Infections in Adults

Bacterial or Viral Infections: Similar to children, adult ear infections can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are commonly responsible for bacterial ear infections, while viruses like the influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to viral ear infections.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its function is to equalise pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. When this tube becomes blocked or dysfunctional due to factors like allergies, sinus infections, or changes in air pressure (e.g., during air travel), fluid can build up in the middle ear, leading to an infection.

Anatomical Factors: Certain anatomical abnormalities or conditions, such as a deviated septum or enlarged adenoids, can increase the risk of ear infections in adults. These structural issues can interfere with proper drainage of fluid from the middle ear, creating an environment conducive to infection.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, or allergens can irritate the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, increasing susceptibility to ear infections.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

The symptoms of an ear infection in adults may include:

Ear pain or discomfort
Fluid drainage from the ear
Reduced hearing
Pressure or fullness in the ear
Fever
Dizziness or vertigo
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Treatment Options

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate ear pain and reduce fever associated with ear infections.
Antibiotics: If the ear infection is bacterial, a course of antibiotics can be prescribed by one of our pharmacists. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
Ear Drops: Prescription or over-the-counter ear drops containing antibiotics or corticosteroids may be recommended to help clear the infection and reduce inflammation in the ear canal.
Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can provide relief from pain and help reduce inflammation.
Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants may be helpful if the ear infection is associated with nasal congestion or sinusitis, as they can help alleviate congestion and promote drainage of fluid from the Eustachian tube.
Ear Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes): In cases of chronic or recurrent ear infections, especially those associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction, a healthcare provider may recommend placing tiny tubes in the eardrums to facilitate drainage and ventilation of the middle ear.

Prevention

While it may not always be possible to prevent ear infections, especially in cases of anatomical predispositions, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

Practising good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants.
Managing allergies and sinus conditions effectively.
Using earplugs or protective ear gear in noisy environments.
Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal, which can damage the delicate structures and increase the risk of infection.

Book an Appointment

Ear infections in adults can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most cases can be effectively managed. It’s essential for adults experiencing symptoms of an ear infection to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ear infections in adults, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their ear health and prevent complications. Contact our team to find out more or book an appointment below.

This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Ear Wax Removal Near Me

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Saam Ali — No Comments ↓

You searched for “Ear Wax Removal Near Me”

We provide microsuction ear wax removal in many of our stores now and we’ll continue to expand our offering. With over 100 stores UK-wide, you’ll be able to find a store that does ear wax removal near you.

Causes of Excessive Earwax Build-up

Excessive earwax accumulation can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people are naturally predisposed to producing more earwax, while others may have narrow or hairy ear canals. Age can also play a role, as wax can harden and become difficult to fall out naturally. Using hearing aids, earplugs, or inserting other objects into the ear can push wax further into the ear canal.

Symptoms of Excessive Earwax Build-up

Excessive earwax may cause dizziness, tinnitus, hearing difficulties, earaches, or ear infections. If you’re uncertain about your symptoms, the NHS website offers further information.

Treatment Options for Excess Ear Wax

There are several treatment methods for earwax build-up, including:

Ear drops: Available at most pharmacies, ear drops soften the wax to make removal easier.
Ear irrigation: Performed by a healthcare professional, this procedure flushes warm water into the ear canal to remove wax.
Manual removal: A healthcare professional can use a small, curved instrument called a curette to manually remove earwax.
Microsuction: A healthcare professional employs a small suction device to extract the wax.
Endoscopic ear wax removal: A relatively new procedure, this technique uses a tiny camera to guide the removal of earwax.

It’s crucial not to attempt earwax removal with cotton buds or other objects, as this can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause damage. Consult a healthcare professional or your local pharmacy team if you’re experiencing earwax build-up symptoms.

Ear Wax removal near you

A number of our pharmacies offer microsuction ear wax removal, an effective and safe method for removing earwax. If you’re experiencing any related symptoms, consider booking an appointment with us.

Understanding Ear Microsuction

Ear microsuction is a procedure that involves using a low-pressure suction probe to remove excess earwax safely and painlessly. We use the legendary Tympahealth system to seamlessly remove wax from ears. Take a look at how it works:

Your Ear Health Appointment at Knights

Our skilled clinicians will begin by removing some wax and conducting tests to identify any hearing issues. If any problems are found, you’ll be referred for further treatment. If excessive earwax is causing discomfort, we’ll remove it for you.

Find a Branch

Book Ear Wax Removal Now

This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

Ear Wax & Swimming: How Should You Take Care of Your Ears?

Posted on 22 March 2023 by Pharmacy Mentor — No Comments ↓

In this article, we take a look at how swimming might affect ear wax and what you can do about it.

It’s always important to take care of your ears. Cleansing is one step. But infection prevention and treatment are another. Making efforts to avoid unnecessary noise as well as keeping an eye out for potential hearing loss is also part of proper ear care. If you have concerns about any of these ear problems, you should contact your pharmacist or doctor. Keep reading to find out how to remove water in the ear after swimming, as well as combat earwax build up.

What is ear wax?

Cerumen, sometimes referred to as earwax, is a waxy material made by glands in your ear canal. It comprises dead skin cells, various debris, and secretions from the sebaceous and ceruminous glands. The protective role of earwax is to keep the ear canal clean, lubricated, and free from infections. Moreover, it helps in trapping dust, dirt, as well as other foreign particles to keep them out of the sensitive areas of the ear. The natural motion of the jaw during talking and chewing helps earwax to naturally exit the ear canal. But, if it builds up and becomes impacted, you may have to seek medical help.

Causes of ear wax build up

Cerumen impaction, another name for earwax build up, can happen when the normal earwax clearance process is hampered. The following are a few common reasons for earwax build up:

Excessive earwax production

There is a higher chance of build up in some people than in others due to differences in earwax production.

Narrow ear canals

Earwax can get stuck more easily if your ear canals are normally narrow.

Using hearing aids or earplugs

These tools can force earwax further into the ear canal, making removal more challenging.

Using Q-tip

Earwax can be pushed deeper into your ear canal by inserting objects such as cotton swabs inside, which can result in the canal becoming blocked.

Age

Our earwa

x gets harder and drier as we get older, which can make it more challenging to get out and more prone to become impacted.

How does swimming affect ear wax build up?

Swimming can occasionally cause earwax to accumulate, particularly if water is caught in the ear canal. Earwax can combine with water, becoming softer and harder to remove. Also, sweat from swimming may provide a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal that may favour the development of fungus and bacteria.

You should wear a swimming cap or earplugs to keep water out of your ears while swimming to reduce the risk of earwax build up.

Tips to prevent water in the ear while swimming

Here are some ideas for avoiding ear wax build up when swimming:

Wear earplugs
Use a swim cap
After swimming, dry your ears
Avoid putting stuff in your ears
Do not swim in polluted water

When to visit a physician or an audiologist

If you are exhibiting signs of earwax build up, it is important that you visit a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or audiologist. Some indications that you may require medical care include:

Ear pain
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Discharge or bleeding from your ear

It is essential that we take care of our ears for the sake of our overall well-being and the health of our hearing. Overlooking ear health can result in a number of problems, such as ear infections, hearing loss, and tinnitus, which can impact your quality of life. As a result, it’s critical to give ear care a top priority and to get medical help if you experience any problems with your hearing or ear health.

Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch for more information and to get medical help. And you can find Ear Care products online here.