UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.
www.health.umd.edu
Ear Infections
Ear infections can be an inflammation located:
• In the ear canal, outside the eardrum
• Inside the inner ear
• or both
Ear canal inflammation is:
• Caused by bacteria
•Frequently caused by swimming, showering or hair
washing
Symptoms:
• Pain or itching
• Swelling
• Occasional discharge
• Sometimes decreased hearing
Treatment:
• Prescription ear drops
• Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol for pain control
• Heat applied to the outer ear • Ear wash (done by practitioner)
Prevention:
• Do not stick Q-tips, bobby pins, etc., in the ear canal
• Keep ear canal dry when swimming
(use earplugs or after-swimming use ear-drying preparations)
Middle Ear Inflammation is:
• Caused by bacteria or virus trapped in the middle ear cavity
• Usually starts as a nose or throat infection, or allergies
Symptoms:
• Eardrum redness and swelling
• Pain
• Feeling of fullness in ear
• Occasional ringing or dizziness
• Occasional fever
• Symptoms will worsen with flying, so see a health care provider before flying
Treatment:
• Antibiotics
• Decongestants or antihistamines (such as Sudafed or Benadryl)
• Aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol for pain
• Avoid forceful blowing of your nose
Prevention Includes:
• Taking a decongestant or antihistamine at the earliest sign of a cold
• Avoid scuba diving when symptoms of a cold or allergy are present
Revised 11.06
Published for the University of Maryland community.
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