If you or a loved one suffers from recurring ear infections, there are ways to find relief. Based on the primary causes of ear infections, let’s explore common treatments that can help:
Treating Chronic Ear Infections
Allergies
One of the most common causes of ongoing ear infections are allergies. Treating the allergies with antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants can be helpful. Antihistamines help reduce the inflammation and congestion seen when someone suffers from allergies. They will also help with the itching seen with allergies.
Reducing inflammation
Reducing the congestion and inflammation in the nose and sinuses will help reduce the frequency of ear infections. Avoiding the allergens will also help. Allergy shots may be needed to treat the allergies in a more effective manner.
Decongestants like Sudafed® can help reduce the pressure and congestion in the Eustachian tube area and in the nose. These medicines can elevate blood pressure, cause your heart to race, and keep you awake at night, caution must be used.
Nasal steroid sprays are very effective in reducing the swelling in the nose caused by allergies and even infections. Many times these medicines will help reduce the frequency of ear infections in children by reducing the inflammation around the Eustachian tube.
GERD Treatment
GERD is best treated by taking a proton pump inhibitor. These medicines include Nexium®, Prevacid®, Aciphex®, Protonix®, Prilosec®, Dexilant® (sold over the counter), Omeprazole®.
Infections
Antibiotics will help treat any bacteria that may be found in the middle ear. Sometimes antibiotics are given daily for an extended time, possibly months to reduce the frequency of ear infections. This is called prophylactic use of antibiotics to reduce recurrent ear infections.
If your child has recurrent ear infections, there may be an underlying immune deficiency. Please do not have tubes placed in your child’s ear until you have visited with an allergist immunologist trained in treating recurrent infections. We are experts in addressing recurrent infections like ear and sinus infections in our practice.
More About Recurrent Ear Infections
