Sunday, March 24, 2024

Which Side To Sleep On Ear Infection

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How Is An Ear Infection Diagnosed

Sleeping position if one is having ear discharge with a hole in ear drum – Dr. Satish Babu K

Your doctor will check for an ear infection by using a small scope with a light to look into your childs ear. They will know if the eardrum is infected if it looks red. Other signs of infection they may see include fluid in the ear or a ruptured eardrumwhich leaves a hole. Your doctor will also look for other symptoms in your child, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, vomiting, and dizziness.

What Are The Symptoms

The pressure from lack of air flow and general swelling from infections can be very uncomfortable. Your child doesnt need to have suffered a recent cold, though colds, flus and allergies can contribute to the frequency of infections. Children with Down Syndrome and other congenital issues with how their internal structures are formed may also be more prone to infections.

Common symptoms of infection include:

  • Sensations of pain and pressure in the ear
  • Loss of appetite
  • Wanting to be held more often

How Is Labyrinthitis Treated

Treating most cases of labyrinthitis includes observation, bed rest, and hydration. Steroids, such as prednisone, are typically prescribed to minimize inner ear inflammation. In some cases, steroids may be injected through the eardrum into the middle ear space. Severe nausea and vomiting may be treated with anti-nausea medications. Vertigo may be treated with antihistamines or sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, although long-term use can prolong the recovery.

The treatment of bacterial labyrinthitis is to control the primary infection, which is usually a middle ear infection. This may require antibiotics, placement of an ear tube, or more advanced ear surgery. Treatment for autoimmune labyrinthitis addresses the underlying autoimmune condition with steroids or other immune modulating medications usually directed by the rheumatologist.

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Look For Visible Symptoms

If your child is experiencing ear pain, these signals are especially helpful: With swimmer’s ear, the outer ear may appear red and swollen and have a rash-like appearance. You may see your child frequently scratch at his ear or complain of an itchy ear. Also watch for a foul-smelling drainagecoming from the ear bothering them. Symptoms to watch for with a middle ear infection include fever, pulling or tugging on the ear, decreased appetite, diarrhea or vomiting.

How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Treated

How To Sleep With An Ear Infection Comfortably

There are many treatments for SSNHL. Treatment is most successful the earlier it is given. Treatment can include oral steroids or steroids injected directly into the ear . If the first treatments do not work, your otolaryngologist should discuss âsalvage therapy.â The benefits of treatment may include more quick and complete recovery of hearing, but there are also side effects of steroids that must be considered when choosing from the available options. Side effects of steroids may include sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or mood swings, increased appetite with possible weight gain, dizziness, jitteriness, high blood sugar, and/or high blood pressure. With intratympanic steroids risks include pain, dizziness, residual hole in the ear drum, and infection. In head-to-head comparisons, intratympanic injection of steroids causes much fewer side effects than oral steroids.

Watchful waiting may be recommended. This is because half of patients may get back hearing on their ownâthese are usually patients with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss, but healthcare providers do not currently have a way to predict who will get better without treatment.

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The #1 Thing To Consider With Ear Infections

I have seen it many times in my 10+ years working with families. A baby or toddler is diagnosed with an ear infection, is given medication, and parents administer the medication as instructed. The ear infection will go away, right? Wrong! Well, yes, most of the time, everything clears up perfectly as expected. However, for some babies and young children, we have heard time and again that the ear infection did NOT go away and sleep is still horrible. If your child is still not feeling like his- or herself even during the day playing, be sure to visit the healthcare provider again and make sure the infection cleared up. Ive heard from some families needing to give a different medication or multiple doses.

Can Wearing Earplugs Cause Vertigo

Although earplugs are not the direct cause of vertigo, they can lead to conditions that make you higher risk of vertigo. As mentioned earlier, improperly wearing earplugs can lead to ear infections, which are a leading cause for a type of vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo .;

In short, an ear infection caused by dirty earplugs can lead to BPPV. This occurs when calcium particles embedded in your inner ear are moved to another section of your inner ear while moving your head position. People who wear earplugs while they sleep are susceptible to this type of vertigo more than others. In addition to ear infections, prolonged bed rest, ear surgery, and blockage of an inner ear artery can cause BPPV.;

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What Causes Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, cold viruses, and flu viruses earache can be caused by injury or a symptom of another condition like tonsillitis.

More specifically, several different causative agents are responsible for ear infections -Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae are the most common microorganisms that cause ear infections .

In addition to bacteria, cold and flu viruses can also cause ear infections .

Earache can also occur due to an inner ear injury which can be caused by scratching, earwax, or fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Earache can also sometimes be a symptom of tonsillitis, a dental abscess, or temporomandibular joint pain.

Related Questions Answered On Yanswers

How To Get An Ear Infection | 4 EAR-Resistible Ways!
what is the best thing to use for an ear infection i heard olive oil is one thing whats the things that work?
Q: like a maracle?????????is there any consequences??????????my docter gave me floxin drops but they are not working this is my first time having an ear infection.i cant sleep from it bcuz it hurts like a b**** and excuse me for my language but thats how i feel.this is the third day its been hurting me and it gets worse and worse.please help me it will be so helpful of u.thank you
A: Olive oil is perfect. Good luck!
Ear Infection: What Side Should I Sleep On?
Q: I have had an ear infection for about a week with drainage. I also have a sinus infection. Should I sleep on the infected ear so it can drain or on the other side so the mucus can flow out of the Eustachian tubes?
A: I think Id go for the the ear and let that drain out because my husband had meningitis from an ear infection which spread10 years ago and nearly died.

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Side Sleeper Pillow Reviews Can Help Quicken The Process

This search could be a long one or a short one depending on your luck, but reading side sleeper pillow reviews will surely cut down on your search. For example one of the pillows I reviewed in my other articles has what is called an ear well which is a slightly hollow area specially designed on the pillow where the ear would be placed thereby reducing pressure on the ear and possibly completely avoiding any pain in the morning and any unscheduled wakeup at night.

Cause Of Ear Infections

  • A bacterial infection of the middle ear
  • Blocked eustachian tube, usually as part of a common cold. The eustachian tube joins the middle ear to the back of the throat.
  • Blockage results in middle ear fluid .
  • If the fluid becomes infected , the fluid turns to pus. This causes the eardrum to bulge out and can cause a lot of pain.
  • Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years. They are a common problem until age 8.
  • The onset of ear infections is often on day 3 of a cold.
  • How often do kids get ear infections? 90% of children have at least 1 ear infection. Frequent ear infections occur in 20% of children. Ear infections are the most common bacterial infection of young children.

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What To Avoid With An Ear Infection

You may not be able to prevent future ear infections fromhappening entirely. However, there are a few things you can do if your ears aresensitive to diseases to minimize your chances.

  • Keep small objects out. As tempting as it may be, try not to insert anything into your ear, such as cotton swabs. These swabs can actually push ear wax further into your ear and can exacerbate your ear infection.
  • Smoking. By constantly surrounding yourself with the irritants that are in cigarette smoke, you may be making your ear tubes more susceptible to infection.
  • Garlic cloves in your ear. Sounds odd, right? Thats because it is. There are many theories out there that putting garlic in your ear will help thanks to its antibiotic properties. While the properties are there, the garlic resting on your concha isnt going to reach your eardrum, where the infection is. Also, its just not a good idea to stick small objects in your ears. Which is why you should instead use a product infused with garlic rather than an actual clove!
  • Water in the ears. In the case of otitis externa keep ears dry and avoid swimming, if possible.

Even though ear infections are painful, sleeping comfortably can be easy, and your symptoms should begin to go away on their own after a few days. You shouldnt lose too much sleep! But, be sure to see your doctor immediately if you believe you have a ruptured eardrum, or the infection lasts too long.

Can An Ear Infection Be Prevented Or Avoided

How to Sleep with an Ear Infection

Although an ear infection is not;contagious, the bacteria or;virus;that caused it is often contagious. Its important to:

  • Vaccinate your child with a pneumococcal conjugate;vaccine;to protect against several types of pneumococcal bacteria. This type of bacteria is the most common cause of ear infections. Get your childs vaccinations on time.
  • Practice routine hand washing and avoid sharing food and drinks, especially if your child is exposed to large groups of kids in day care or school settings.
  • Avoid second-hand smoke.
  • Breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months and continue breastfeeding for at least 1 year. Place your baby at an angle while feeding.

Common;allergy;and;cold;medicines do not protect against ear infections.

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When Do Children Need Tubes In Their Ears

If your child has frequent ear infections, or if he has trouble hearing because of ongoing fluid in the middle ear, he may need a tube inserted through the ear drum and into the middle ear. The tube helps to keep air pressure normal on both sides of the ear drum and helps fluid drain from the middle ear.

Putting tubes in requires a brief operation by an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Children usually go home the same day.

How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting An Ear Infection

  • Wash your childs hands and your own often to reduce the chance of catching a cold.
  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Avoid bottle-feeding your baby when they are lying down. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Transition your baby from a bottle to a cup by 1 year of age.
  • Dont use a pacifier too often.
  • Dont smoke, and keep your child away from any secondhand smoke. Exposure to smoke can increase the risk of ear infections.
  • Ensure your child gets the pneumococcal vaccine .
  • Ensure your child gets a flu shot every year.;

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How Is Sudden Hearing Loss Diagnosed

Your doctor will perform a complete ENT exam and review your medical history. A hearing test will be performed to determine if you do have hearing loss, what part of the ear is involved, and how sever the hearing loss is. Routine labs and Xrays are usually not recommended. Less than 1% of the time sudden hearing loss is due to a benign tumor on the hearing and balance nerve. Your doctor may order an MRI to look for this tumor.

Sleeping With An Ear Infection

Ear Infections – Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute

Use a pain reliever throughout the day and before bedtime to ease discomfort. Only follow this step if the individual is older than two years of age.

Drink a sip of water before bedtime or upon waking in the middle of the night to clear the Eustachian tubes.

Relieve some of the pressure in the ear by pinching the nostrils with your fingers while slowly blowing the nose.

Place water in a small bowl. Add a bottle of mineral oil to the water, and let it sit for five minutes. Use an ear dropper to place two to three drops of mineral oil into the ear.

Tip

  • Try sleeping on your side if you have an ear infection. Sleeping on your back places more pressure on the ears.

Tip

  • Do not use pain relievers if the affected individual is less than two years old.

    See your doctor if you suspect an ear infection.

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What To Do At Home

Lying down can increase the sensation of pressure and discomfort in your childs ears. Children over the age of two can be encouraged to sleep propped up with pillows. With younger infants, you can give their crib mattress a slight incline by placing a thin pillow or two beneath the mattress itself.

Warm compresses can provide some temporary pain relief. Moist heat is preferable, so use a clean washcloth dipped in warm water or a microwavable hot pack designed to be misted with water. Being mindful of the temperature, apply the compress over the ear for 10 to 15 minutes. This can be especially helpful at bedtime.

Swallowing encourages the Eustachian tubes to open and relieve the painful pressure. Give your child plenty of fluids. Gum and hard candy can be given to children old enough to have them safety, at least 4 years of age.

Most Common Causes Of Earache

Ear infections tend to be one of the most common causes of earaches. These infections can develop in your outer, middle or inner ear due to a variety of reasons. These include either factors that cause wear and tear within your ear such as wearing of hearing aids or earphones, or other bacterial infections resulting from respiratory illnesses.

Earache can also result from damage to the ear that is caused while cleaning up the ear canal. On the other hand, a buildup of excess earwax, or a blockage by any tiny object within the ear can also result in severe ear pain.

A change in pressure within the ear resulting from an altitude change or when travelling between mountains, can also block your Eustachian tubes and cause temporary ear pain. However, an earache caused by arthritis in oneâs jaw, or toothache will only go away once the underlying issue is treated.

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How To Ease The Pain Of An Ear Infection

Unfortunately, children do not know how to sleep with an ear infection. When an ear infection occurs, there are several things that can be done to soothe your child until you can see the pediatrician.

  • Use childrens ibuprofen or acetaminophen , but never use aspirin for pain, and don’t bother using cold remedies.
  • To help ease the pressure, elevate your childs head when sleeping. If the child is more than two years old and is no longer sleeping in the crib, it’s fine to use a pillow when resting.
  • Keep your child in a semi-upright position in the car seat when travelling.
  • Applying a warm, moist towel near your younger childs infected ear may also be of some help. With older children you may want to use a heating pad; however, remember to keep the heating pad on its lowest setting and never use heating pads with infants.
  • When there is no drainage, help lessen the pain by using a few drops of olive , into the affected ear. When there is some discharge, use a cotton ball gently tucked into the ear canal.
  • Since swallowing opens up the eustachian tube and helps drain the fluid from the middle ear, encourage this by letting your older children , chew gum .
  • Have your children drink plenty of fluids to help avoid an ear that is plugged from turning into an ear infection.
  • How To Comfortably Sleep With An Ear Infection

    How to Sleep with an Ear Infection

    Sleeping with an ear infection can be difficult, to say the least. Whether youre a chronic sufferer or recently being diagnosed with some sort of infection of the ears, figuring how to snooze comfortably could improve the situation significantly.

    So what is the best way to sleep with an ear infection? Lying down with the upper body elevated is the best way to gain comfort throughout the night.;

    This may not be a problem if youre already a back sleeper. But what happens to those who predominantly sleep on the stomach or sides? Well, side sleepers are typically forced to lie down on the opposite side of the infected ear in an elevated position especially for infections characterized by fluid release from the ear.

    Unfortunately, stomach sleepers may not get so lucky. The best way would be to adopt a reclining back position temporarily until the infection is successfully treated.

    Page Contents

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    Treatments For Outer Ear Infection

    Outer ear infections may heal on their own without treatment. Antibiotic eardrops are the most common treatment for an outer ear infection that hasnt healed on its own. They can be prescribed by your doctor.

    Doctors may also prescribe antibiotic drops mixed with steroids to reduce swelling in the ear canal. The ear drops are typically used several times a day for 7 to 10 days.

    If a fungus is the cause of the outer ear infection, your doctor will prescribe antifungal ear drops. This type of infection is more common in people with diabetes or a depleted immune system.

    To reduce symptoms, its important to keep water out of the ears while the infection is healing.

    Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain. In extreme cases, prescription pain medication may be prescribed.

    The most important part of home treatment for outer ear infections is prevention. Keeping the ear dry as much as possible decreases the risk of infection.

    Other tips to keep in mind include:

    • using a cotton ball or soft ear plugs to prevent water from entering the ear while showering or bathing
    • using a swim cap
    • avoiding scratching the inner ear, even with cotton swabs
    • avoiding removing ear wax on your own
    • using an eardrop mixture of rubbing alcohol and/or vinegar after swimming to help dry up excess water
    • toweling the head and ears dry after swimming

    Complications And Emergency Symptoms

    If an outer ear infection goes untreated and doesnt heal on its own, it can result in several complications.

    Abscesses can develop around the affected area within the ear. These may heal on their own, or your doctor may need to drain them.

    Long-term outer ear infections can cause narrowing of the ear canal. Narrowing can affect the hearing and, in extreme cases, cause deafness. It needs to be treated with antibiotics.

    Ruptured or perforated eardrums can also be a complication of outer ear infections caused by items inserted into the ear. This can be extremely painful. Symptoms include temporary hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in the ears, discharge, and bleeding from the ear.

    In rare cases, necrotizing otitis externa occurs. This is an extremely serious complication where the infection spreads to the cartilage and bone that surrounds your ear canal.

    Adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Untreated, it can be fatal. This is considered a medical emergency, with symptoms including:

    • severe ear pain and headaches, especially at night
    • ongoing ear discharge

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    Tips And Tricks Of Sleeping With An Ear Infection

    It is a complete hassle trying to sleep with an ear infection. Believe it or not, many people sleep on their ears, and finding the right way to sleep with an ear infection will help you get some much-needed rest. Hence, this will ultimately make you heal faster.

    You may feel the pain of an ear infection more acutely at night because you are mostly in the horizontal position; this is unlike standing upright during the daytime. Air flows into the Eustachian tubes while standing much better than it does when you lie down.

    The first few days of ear infections are the worst. If you can get through it, you will be able to endure the entire duration of the illness. Finding the best way to get a good rest may be the most challenging hurdle when dealing with an ear infection. These tips will help you manage the pain and sleep without continually waking up and feeling drained the next day. Keep in mind that these tips will not heal the infection but will help you manage it.

    • An easy way to escape the pain for some people before sleeping is trying to take the counter pain killers to help you deal with the pain. You can take drugs like ibuprofen or paracetamol before sleeping, this will go a long way in helping you get a good rest, but if you do not like taking medications, you can opt for other options.
    • Try sipping some water before going to bed. This swallowing exercise help to reduce pressure on the Eustachian tubes to help it drain fluids.

    Read more,

    Keep The Room Temperature At 16

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    The ideal bedroom temperature at night should be between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius or 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit because this temperature is lower than our core body temperature and it helps us to fall asleep quickly .

    This temperature range will also help your immune system to perform better and recover from the ear infection and fever faster.

    A high bedroom temperature can make your fever last longer and may also lead to excessive sweating that may cause dehydration.

    The association between the thermal ambiance and the quality of your sleep can be explained by the connection between the bodys homeostasis and circadian rhythm .

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    Try This Fix: A Hot Plate

    It may sound odd, but one solution for an aching ear is a hot plate. Lisa Orloff of South Orange, New Jersey, says, I swear by this for earaches. The heat feels really good as it radiates inward. Here’s how to put the method to work: Microwave a small ceramic plate or saucer for a couple of seconds. Its ready when its not too hot to the touch to take it out of the oven. Then place the plate gently cupped over the ear that hurts and hold it there.

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    Who Is At Risk For An Outer Ear Infection

    Swimming is the biggest risk factor for otitis externa, especially swimming in water with high levels of bacteria. Pools that are adequately chlorinated are less likely to spread bacteria.

    Showering or cleaning your ears too frequently can also leave the ears open to infection. The narrower the ear canal, the more likely it is that water will be trapped inside. Childrens ear canals are typically narrower than adult ear canals.

    The use of headphones or a hearing aid, as well as skin allergies, eczema, and skin irritation from hair products also increase the risk of developing an outer ear infection.

    Swimmers ear, itself, is not contagious.

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