How to Get Rid of Fluid in the Ears

Fluid in the ear can lead to painful infection, hearing loss, balance disruption and even vomiting or diarrhea, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood ailments, and what begins as an acute condition can develop into chronic illness if the fluid is not drained naturally or through medical intervention. The body clears most incidents of fluid buildup on its own, but remedies ranging from over-the-counter solutions to surgical procedures can speed the process along.

Step 1

Apply a warm compress to the outer ear to ease discomfort and release congestion in the eustachian tube. The primary cause of fluid buildup is a blockage in the eustachian tube that prevents the fluid naturally produced in the middle ear from draining.

Step 2

Take over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate the pain associated with fluid buildup. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, which can both relive pain and reduce inflammation.

Step 3

Try over-the-counter decongestants to relive the pressure in the ear and to open the blocked eustachian tube. Blockages occur due to a variety of causes including allergic reactions, colds and sinus infections. Infants who frequently drink from a "sippy" cup are more susceptible to the condition.
 

Step 4

Consult a doctor if the condition persists for more than two days, or if fever accompanies the fluid buildup. A temperature above 102 degrees for toddlers and above a fever of any level for infants warrants a doctor visit.

Step 5

Take a full course of doctor-prescribed antibiotics to kill the infection that is causing the blockage in the eustachian tube.

Step 6

Use a nonsurgical device such as Ear Popper as an intermediate step between medication and surgery. The Ear Popper is a prescription device that forces air into the eustachian tube and allows the fluid to pass. Ask your doctor if your condition is appropriate for such treatment.

Step 7

Schedule a procedure known as tympanostomy tube insertion for persistent problems that do not respond to medication or non-surgical interventions. A surgeon inserts tiny tubes into the ear drum that allow the fluid to pass to the outer ear. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia which carries inherent risks, but there are few documented complications, according to MedlinePlus.

Warnings

• If there is pus or bloody discharge exiting through the outer ear, you may have a damaged ear drum rather than a blocked eustachian tube, and you should see a doctor immediately.

The Best OTC Drugs for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Any woman who has had one knows how uncomfortable a vaginal yeast infection can be. The vagina needs a certain amount of candida albicans, yeast, to function properly. Certain factors can disrupt the harmonious balance of flora in the vagina. This imbalance results in an overgrowth of yeast and symptoms that accompany it. Symptoms include intense itching, and a thick vaginal discharge. Bring the yeast infection to an end quickly by using the best over -the-counter treatments.

Diagnosis

• Make sure that your symptoms are caused by yeast infection before starting treatment. Several disorders mimic yeast infection symptoms. Thick vaginal discharge, with or without odor, are also symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases. Bacterial vaginosis produces the same symptoms as a yeast infection. STDs and bacterial vaginosis require different treatment than yeast infection. Most drug stores carry test strips that can help identify a yeast infection. See your physician if the test strips indicate a normal amount of yeast.
  

Medication

• Azole antifungal medications are used to treat yeast infection. These medications come in many varieties including topical creams, vaginal suppositories and oral tablets. Oral tablets, such as flucanazole, require only one dose to treat yeast infection. Oral yeast infection treatment can be helpful if yeast has invaded the digestive tract, but has annoying side effects such as headache and nausea. Topical creams including miconazole are available in one, three and seven day treatments. These are quite effective. One and three day varieties are slightly more expensive, but fast acting. Topical creams are also rather messy. Single dose vaginal suppositories of miconazole cost effective, easy to use and fast-acting. Vaginal suppositories are not associated with any side effects.
   

Natural Treatment

• Fight yeast infection naturally using probiotics. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophiles destroys excess yeast in the body. Acidophilus supplements are available at most drug stores. Use an acidophiles douche to treat a current yeast infection. Purchase acidophiles from an herbalist or health food store. Prepare the douche by mixing two table spoons of acidophiles with one cup of sterile, tepid water. Use a bulb-syringe to gently cleanse the inside of the vagina. Apply plain yogurt with live active cultures directly onto the outside of the vagina to relieve itching.
  

Prevention

• Prevent yeast infections through diet. Take acidophiles supplements daily. Some foods are natural yeast antagonists. Eat yogurt often, but choose it wisely. Read the label of the yogurt container to be sure it includes live active cultures. Limit your consumption of sugar if you experience recurrent yeast infections. Alcohol converts to sugar in the body, and consumption should be limited.
  

Considerations

• Visit your doctor if you experience more than four vaginal yeast infections per year. Frequent yeast infections can be caused by an underlying disease. The most serious diseases associated with frequent yeast infections include diabetes and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. Use of broad spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroids can cause yeast infection.