The best remedies for otitis media
Otitis is an unpleasant disease from which you want to recover as soon as possible. For this, various groups of drugs are used. We will discuss the top 7 inexpensive and effective remedies for otitis media that are prescribed most often.

Otitis is an inflammatory process in the ear – a fairly common problem that many have encountered.

Otitis symptoms:

  • ear pain that occurs when the tragus or auricle moves;
  • a feeling of stuffy ear, hearing loss is possible;
  • itching in the ear canal;
  • nausea, possible vomiting;
  • general weakness, malaise, possible loss of balance.

We have selected the most effective and inexpensive remedies for otitis media, which are constantly prescribed for treatment by practitioners.

Rating of the top 7 inexpensive and effective remedies for otitis according to KP

1. Painkillers

With otitis media, the pain syndrome is quite pronounced, so painkillers are often used.

The most popular drugs include: paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac, movalis, xefocam.

NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that not only relieve pain, but also reduce the severity of the inflammatory process (reduce swelling, redness) and lower body temperature. There are several groups of NSAIDs that are effective for otitis media:

  • para-aminophenol derivatives (paracetamol);
  • salicylates (acetylsalicylic acid);
  • oxycams (movalis, xefocam);
  • propionic acid derivatives (ibuprofen, ketofen);
  • acetic acid derivatives (diclofenac).

Advantages and disadvantages

have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.
increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding; irritant effect on the gastric mucosa; hepato and nephrotoxicity
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2. Antipyretics

Most often used: paracetamol (and preparations based on it – panadol, efferalgan for children), nuprofen.

There are combined drugs – Rinza, Theraflu, Ferveks. In addition to paracetamol, they contain vitamin C, caffeine, antihistamines, which facilitate general well-being and are an excellent symptomatic therapy.

Taking antipyretic drugs is recommended when the body temperature is above 38 degrees.

Advantages and disadvantages

facilitate the general condition (reduce body temperature); the effect occurs within a few minutes.
the number of tablets per day is strictly limited (since the drugs are hepatotoxic); the effect depends on the severity of the inflammatory process and may not be durable
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3. Vasoconstrictor drugs

Most often used: naphthyzinum, tizin, afrin, nazivin.

Since the ear and nasal cavity are connected through the opening of the auditory tube, the use of vasoconstrictor drops in the nose relieves swelling of the mucous membrane, reduces secretion and removes congestion both in the ear and in the nose.

Advantages and disadvantages

the effect occurs within a few minutes; modern drugs have a fairly long-lasting effect (up to 8 hours); approved for use in complex therapy
often addictive, so do not use more than 7 days; are symptomatic therapy and do not affect the cause of the disease
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4. Antihistamines

The most popular: zyrtec, suprastin, tsetrin, desal.

They are used mainly for symptomatic therapy. They relieve nasal congestion (reduce the severity of edema), which improves the outflow of secretions from the auditory tube. Itching is also possible with otitis media. Antihistamines reduce its severity by affecting the nerve endings.

Advantages and disadvantages

rapid onset of action; modern drugs do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier; quite long-lasting effect (up to 24 hours).
hypnotic effect (especially in drugs of the 1st generation); possible dryness of the skin and mucous membranes
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5. Antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs that are prescribed for purulent otitis media: amoxicillin, amoxiclav, cefuroxime, josamycin.

The appearance of pus indicates the multiplication of the bacterial flora, so it is important to immediately start taking antibacterial drugs. It is important that aminoglycosides are not used for otitis media, as they have a pronounced ototoxicity (toxic to the ear).

Advantages and disadvantages

with bacterial otitis, they act on the cause of the disease; a positive effect occurs within a few days.
it is important to observe the timing and dosage of the drug; a doctor should prescribe an antibiotic after examination, history taking, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies; strongly affect the intestinal microflora, which can lead to dyspeptic disorders.

6. Mucolytic drugs

The most effective are: Carbocisteine ​​(Fluiforte, Libexin Muko), acetylcysteine ​​(ACC, Fluimucil).

With otitis, there is swelling of the mucous membrane of the auditory tube and the cilia of the ciliated epithelium are not able to independently evacuate the pathological secret. Therefore, to cleanse the tympanic cavity, mucolytics are prescribed, which make the secret more liquid, which will facilitate its discharge. The preparations can be used both orally and topically (washing the ear).

Advantages and disadvantages

remove congestion in the ears; with concomitant bronchitis, sputum discharge is facilitated; You can take both in the form of tablets and in the form of ear drops.
is symptomatic therapy; to achieve the effect, it is necessary to take the drug for several days.

7. Local therapy

Used: lidocaine-containing ear drops (Otipax, Otirelax) and alcohol-containing ear drops (boric acid)

Topical preparations are needed to alleviate the condition, as well as local effects on the cause. Drops containing lidocaine relieve pain well, and drops containing alcohol provide a disinfecting effect.

Advantages and disadvantages

the effect occurs within a few minutes; Drops can always be taken with you.
are part of symptomatic therapy.
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How to choose remedies for otitis media

For quick and effective treatment of otitis media, several groups of drugs are required. It is undesirable to select medicines on your own, since only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and recommend the necessary remedies.

The best remedies for otitis media include:

  • vasoconstrictor drops in the nose (to restore patency with the auditory tube);
  • antipyretic (to reduce body temperature);
  • mucolytics (for thinning a viscous secretion and its better discharge);
  • antibiotics (with purulent form of otitis media).

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to otitis with Tatyana Pomerantseva, a general practitioner.

Why does otitis occur?

There are causes and predisposing factors for the development of otitis media:

• infections of the auditory tube;

• penetration of infection from other ENT organs (most often, the inflammatory process from the nasopharynx passes through the mouth of the auditory tube to the mucous membrane of the middle ear);

• injuries of the auricle;

• hypothermia.

Is it possible to treat otitis media with folk remedies?

Treatment of otitis should be complex (vasoconstrictor, mucolytic, antibacterial drugs). Therefore, the use of traditional medicine methods should be only as a supplement. Ear tampons with tincture of calendula, sage essential oil, and heat compresses are highly effective. Before using any methods, you should consult your doctor.

Why is otitis media dangerous?

Self-incorrect treatment of otitis media can lead to various complications that may require the appointment of additional drugs or even surgery. Therefore, it is imperative that a doctor’s examination and appointment be made.

Complications of otitis:

• mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone, which is accompanied by pain in the ear, hearing loss, purulent discharge);

• lambyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear, which is accompanied by damage to the vestibular and auditory analyzer, possibly damage to the facial nerve);

• otogenic intracranial complications (meningitis, intracranial abscess, sigmoid sinus thrombosis).

Sources:

  1. Clinical recommendations “Otitis media acute” 2016;
  2. 2000-2021. REGISTER OF DRUGS OF RUSSIA® RLS ®

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