Ear drop facts for kids
An ear drop is a special kind of medicine that you put directly into your ear. It's often used to help with ear problems like blocked ears or simple ear infections. Ear drops come in a small bottle with a dropper, making it easy to put the liquid into your ear canal.
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What Are Ear Drops and How Do They Help?
Ear drops are liquid medicines designed to treat issues inside your ear. They work by delivering the medicine right where it's needed, which can be more effective than taking medicine by mouth for some ear problems.
Common Reasons to Use Ear Drops
People use ear drops for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Earwax buildup: Sometimes, earwax can get too hard or build up too much, blocking your ear. Certain ear drops can help soften this wax, making it easier for your body to remove it naturally or for a doctor to clean it out.
- Ear infections: If you have a simple ear infection, especially in the outer ear (like swimmer's ear), your doctor might prescribe ear drops with antibiotics to fight the germs.
- Ear pain: Some ear drops contain medicine that helps reduce pain and swelling in the ear. These are often used for temporary relief.
Types of Ear Drops
There are different kinds of ear drops, and each one has a specific job:
- Antibiotic ear drops: These drops contain medicine to kill bacteria that cause infections.
- Antifungal ear drops: If a fungus causes an ear infection, these drops help get rid of it.
- Wax-softening ear drops: These drops contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil to break down earwax.
- Pain-relieving ear drops: These drops often have a mild painkiller to soothe earaches.
How to Use Ear Drops Safely
Using ear drops correctly is important so they can work their best and to avoid any problems. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist, or the directions on the medicine's packaging.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using Ear Drops
Here are general steps for putting in ear drops:
- Wash your hands: Always start by washing your hands with soap and water to keep germs away from your ear.
- Warm the bottle (if needed): Some ear drops work better if they are at body temperature. You can warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for a few minutes. Don't use hot water or a microwave!
- Lie down or tilt your head: Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up, or tilt your head to the side.
- Pull your ear: Gently pull your earlobe down and back (for younger children) or up and back (for older children and adults). This helps straighten the ear canal.
- Put in the drops: Hold the dropper just above your ear canal and squeeze the recommended number of drops into your ear. Try not to touch your ear with the dropper tip.
- Stay still: Stay in the same position for a few minutes (usually 3 to 5 minutes) to let the medicine go deep into your ear.
- Wipe away excess: Use a clean tissue to gently wipe away any extra medicine that comes out of your ear.
- Wash your hands again: Finish by washing your hands again.
Important Safety Tips
- Only use as directed: Never use ear drops more often or for longer than your doctor tells you.
- Don't share: Ear drops are for one person only. Sharing them can spread germs.
- Check the expiry date: Don't use ear drops if they are past their expiry date.
- Keep out of reach: Store ear drops safely away from young children.
- See a doctor if problems continue: If your ear problem doesn't get better, or if it gets worse, tell a grown-up so you can see a doctor.
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