Fungus infection in ear - #12513
I am really freaking out about this fungus infection in ear that I think I might have. Like, I've had this annoying itch in my ear for a while now, and at first, I thought it was just some water trapped in there after swimming, you know? But the itch got worse and now there's this weird discharge. I went to my local clinic, and the doc mentioned that it could be a fungus infection in ear and gave me some drops, but I'm kinda nervous about that. Am I really dealing with a fungus infection in ear or could it just be some allergy? I mean, my symptoms have been all over the place—itching, discomfort, and once in a while, this odd feeling like my ear is plugged. And honestly, I've never even thought about fungus infection in ear before this! I tried to do some research online, but man, there’s just so much info out there that it's a bit overwhelming. If it is a fungus infection in ear, how long could treatment take? Like, do I need to worry about it getting worse? Should I be doing anything extra besides the drops? Any tips or advice would be super appreciated because this is driving me a little crazy!
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Doctors’ responses
Fungal infection in the ear, also known as otomycosis, is relatively common and can indeed cause symptoms like itchiness, discomfort, fullness, and sometimes discharge. The sensation of your ear being plugged aligns with typical presentations, and if your doctor has already started treatment with antifungal ear drops, that’s a good step forward. The drops usually contain ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole, which target the specific fungi responsible, commonly Aspergillus or Candida species. Treatment duration varies but typically spans a week or two, depending on the severity. Consistent application of the drops as prescribed is crucial to resolve the infection effectively. Missing doses might lead to incomplete treatment, so setting a reminder can help (digital reminders work well for many).
Beyond the drops, maintaining ear dryness is important. Avoid getting water in the ears while bathing or swimming, which can exacerbate or prolong symptoms. Using a shower cap or earplugs may mitigate this risk until recovery. Also, do not insert anything like cotton swabs into the ear, as this might push the infection deeper or irritate the area further. In some cases, stubborn infections may not clear with drops alone, necessitating further treatment, possibly involving cleaning by a healthcare provider. While otomycosis is generally not considered a serious condition, if symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, or if you develop hearing loss or severe pain, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider. This helps ensure the diagnosis is correct and that no other underlying issues are contributing to the symptoms.
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