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fungal infection ear treatment
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General Health
Question #20871
45 days ago
102

fungal infection ear treatment - #20871

Sai

I am really struggling with this issue that seems never-ending. For about a month now, I have this persistent itchy feeling in my ear that just won’t go away. I thought it was just dry skin or maybe some soap got in during a shower, but after a week, I started noticing this weird smell and now, sometimes, my hearing feels muffled. After seeing a doc, they mentioned it could be a fungal infection, which sounded bizarre. I've done some reading on fungal infection ear treatment but I’m kinda lost in all the info out there. The doctor prescribed some drops, but I feel like it’s not helping much at all. I keep thinking, what if I’m missing something? What’s the best fungal infection ear treatment that you guys have heard of? Has anyone out there gone through something similar, gone for a second opinion, or maybe found some home remedies that worked? I heard some people talk about natural treatments, but honestly, I don’t wanna make it worse. Should I keep using these drops or try something else? It’s just really frustrating not being able to hear properly, and I’m worried it won’t clear up anytime soon. Would love any advice on solid fungal infection ear treatment options!

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Doctors' responses

When dealing with a fungal ear infection, also known as otomycosis, it’s important to follow the treatment plan your doctor has prescribed, but it’s understandable if you feel it’s not working as expected. Fungal infections can be stubborn and sometimes require more than one approach. Those prescription ear drops likely contain antifungal medication which is usually the first line of treatment. It’s important to use them exactly as directed—consistent usage, as prescribed for the full course, is crucial even if symptoms improve sooner. If after a couple of weeks there’s little to no improvement, you should go back to see your doctor rather than stopping the medication. They might need to reassess your condition to see if there’s a need to change the medication or offer additional treatments.

Sometimes, cleaning the ear canal is recommended to remove any debris or wax that could impede treatment. An ENT specialist could perform this safely if needed, but don’t attempt to clean deep within your ears on your own, as this could push the debris further inside or damage your ear canal or ear drum. Home remedies are popular discussions, but most lack solid scientific backing specifically for fungal infections. You should be cautious with using items such as hydrogen peroxide or vinegar since they can be irritating and worsen the symptoms if the skin is sensitive or broken.

Regarding the muffled hearing and persistent symptoms, they may be due to inflammation or swelling in the ear canal. Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Keep the ear dry as moisture can exacerbate fungal growth—avoid submerging your ear when showering and swimming. If symptoms persist or worsen, a second opinion might be beneficial. A comprehensive assessment by an ENT could rule out other causes like bacterial infections, which could mimic or accompany the fungal infection. Ultimately, adhere to medical advice over anecdotal remedies, and don’t hesitate to seek follow-up consultations to modify treatment if necessary.

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