Causes and how to deal with festering ears at home
Monday 9 January 2023
Purulent ears can be experienced by anyone, both children and adults. This condition is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as ear pain, decreased hearing quality, and headaches.
Even so, festering ears are not a condition that you can ignore. If left untreated, this condition can develop into serious complications, such as nerve disorders in the ear and face, cholesteatoma, mastoiditis, or even an infection in the brain.
Causes of Purulent Ears
There are several causes of purulent ears that often occur, including:
1. Middle ear infection
Purulent ear is most often caused by an infection in the middle ear. This condition is also known as otitis media and is usually experienced by children. The triggers can vary, but the most common is an upper respiratory infection.
Respiratory tract infections can trigger inflammation in the tube that connects the space behind the eardrum and the throat (eustachian tube). This condition can clog the canal due to a buildup of ear fluid and germs.
If left untreated, the fluid can turn into pus which over time can press on the eardrum so that the eardrum is torn and pus comes out of the ear.
2. Swimmer's ear syndrome
Pus discharge from the ear can also occur as a result of swimmer's ear syndrome, which is a bacterial or fungal infection of the outer ear canal (otitis externa). This condition usually arises due to moist ears after swimming.
Moist ears can make the walls of the outer ear canal peel and become damaged, making it easier for germs to infect the ear. Apart from moist ears, otitis externa can also be caused by the wrong way to clean the ears.
3. Entry of a foreign object into the ear
A foreign body that is stuck in the ear for a long time can also cause pain and pus in the ear. This condition occurs most often in children. Objects stuck in the ear canal are generally small pieces of toys, beads, food, insects, or cotton buds.
If not removed immediately, this object can irritate the outer ear canal and trigger ear infections, pus coming out of the ear, and a torn eardrum.
How to deal with festering ears at home
If you have purulent ears, you should not immediately panic and stay calm. For conditions that are mild, stopping the flow of pus from the ear and relieving pain can still be done through first aid at home. Here are some ways to deal with festering ears:
- Avoid putting any object in the ear.
- Use a soft object, such as a towel, to clean the ear. However, make sure you only clean the outside.
- Get plenty of rest at home.
- Meet your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids to keep your body hydrated.
- Take pain and fever relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Even though the pus that has come out has stopped and the condition of the purulent ears that you are experiencing has subsided, you are still advised to see a doctor to get appropriate treatment and prevent dangerous complications that can occur.