Introduction:
Antibiotic ear drops are a common treatment for ear infections, which can affect the skin of the ear canal in a mild case of swimmer’s ear or the middle ear, involving the eardrum and the space behind it. It’s important to follow the proper technique when using these drops to ensure they reach the infected area and provide the best possible treatment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Positioning the Head
Lean the head over such that the affected ear is pointed straight up. This will help straighten the ear canal, which is normally curved, allowing the drops to fall as deeply into the ear canal as possible.
Step 2: Pulling the Ear
Gently pull the ear towards the top and back part of the head. This will further straighten the ear canal, making it easier for the drops to reach the infected area.
Step 3: Squeezing in the Drops
Shake the bottle and warm it to body temperature. Then, squeeze the correct number of drops into the ear.
Step 4: Tragal Pumping
After placing the drops in the ear, gently pump the tragal cartilage. This will help force the drops as deeply down into the ear canal as possible, overcoming the surface tension of water that might otherwise cause the drops to float near the entrance of the canal.
Step 5: Keeping the Head Tilted
Keep the head tilted for 2-5 minutes to allow gravity to disperse the ear drops as thoroughly as possible.
Additional Tips:
- If there is a lot of ear drainage present, try to remove as much of it as possible by inserting a rolled-up corner of a tissue or paper towel into the ear canal. This will allow the antibiotic ear drops to penetrate more easily deep into the ear.
- Keep in mind that ear drops used to treat middle ear infections will only work if a hole or tube is present in the eardrum. This is because infected pus accumulates behind the eardrum, and an intact eardrum would prevent the drops from reaching the infected area. However, a hole or tube in the eardrum can allow pus to escape and also allow the ear drops to enter the ear canal.
Conclusion
Using antibiotic ear drops to treat ear infections requires following proper technique. By positioning the head correctly, pulling the ear, squeezing in the drops, pumping the tragal cartilage and keeping the head tilted, the drops can reach the infected area and provide the best possible treatment. Keep in mind that ear drops used to treat middle ear infections will only work if a hole or tube is present in the eardrum and be sure to pump the tragal cartilage before placing ear drops.
FAQs:
How long should I keep my head tilted after placing the ear drops?
Keep your head tilted for 2-5 minutes after placing the ear drops. This will allow gravity to disperse the drops as thoroughly as possible.
Can I use antibiotic ear drops if I don't have a hole or tube in my eardrum?
No, ear drops used to treat middle ear infections will only work if a hole or tube is present in the eardrum. This is because infected pus accumulates behind the eardrum, and an intact eardrum would prevent the drops from reaching the infected area.
Do I have to pump the tragal cartilage when using antibiotic ear drops?
Yes, it is important to gently pump the tragal cartilage after placing the drops in the ear. This will help force the drops as deeply down into the ear canal as possible, overcoming the surface tension of water that might otherwise cause the drops to float near the entrance of the canal.
Can I use antibiotic ear drops if I have an ear drainage?
It's best to remove as much of the ear drainage as possible by inserting a rolled-up corner of a tissue or paper towel into the ear canal. This will allow the antibiotic ear drops to penetrate more easily deep into the ear.
How should I warm the ear drops to body temperature?
You can warm the ear drops by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes before using it. Do not use hot water or any other method that might cause the drops to become too hot.
