An ear infection while pregnant is a common occurrence. It mostly occurs in women who are likely prone to getting an earache. These infections most likely develop when there is an attack by a certain virus or bacteria in the eardrum, located in the middle ear. This attack results in the build-up of fluid, inflammation of the middle ear, and severe pain. Chronic infections are recurring and, if not treated immediately, might lead to permanent damage of the inner and middle ear (1). Continue reading this post as we tell you about ear infections during pregnancy, their causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and precautions.
Causes Of Ear Infections During Pregnancy
Many factors might cause ear infections. Your doctor is the right person to determine the exact cause of your pain and infection. Pathogens: Ear infections may occur when pathogens like bacteria or viruses find a way into the ear. These pathogens might cause common illnesses such as excess mucus, cold, allergies, sinus infections, and swollen adenoids, causing inflammation. The inflammation leads to blockage in the Eustachian tubes (the tube that connects the middle ear and the pharynx). This blockage causes fluid build-up in the middle ear, resulting in an infection. It might lead to a temporary hearing loss in some cases (2). Other Causes:
A build-up of ear wax (3) The pressure created on the ear while resting or sleeping on the side
Ear infections may be acute or chronic. Acute infections are painful but remain only for a short period. Chronic infections recur and may lead to permanent damage in the inner and middle ears (1). If you have been experiencing chronic ear infections, you could be at a greater risk of ear infection during pregnancy.
Symptoms Of Ear Infections During Pregnancy
There are several symptoms of an ear infection.
Earaches, which are severe and feel like a throbbing inside the ear Hearing loss Headache Image: iStock Fluid discharge from the ear A feeling of pressure inside the ear Swelling in the inner or middle ear
You may not notice the swelling inside the ear. Only the doctor can see it using the necessary devices. Infections usually clear on their own. If they are mild and occur for the first time, you may follow some home remedies. However, if the infection is chronic and does not clear, you may require medical assessment.
Home Remedies For Treating Ear Infections During Pregnancy
The tried-and-tested home remedies could be a better option, but it is always best to check with your doctor before using any of the below.
1. Vinegar
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are known to be good fighters for all kinds of fungus (4). Vinegar works on the fungus and might remove it during the drainage process.
Take one teaspoon each of vinegar and water and mix well. Lie down on your side such that the infected ear is on the top. Now soak a cotton plug into the mixture and put it over the infected ear. Let it be there for about 15 minutes and then remove the liquid by turning your head in the opposite direction. Air-dry your ear completely. If you do it twice a day, you might get rid of the infection within 2 or 3 days.
You may also put the mixture into the ear using a dropper. Squirm and then put some cotton in the ear. Let it remain for 15 minutes and then take away the cotton. Clean the ear using earbuds. Anecdotal evidence says these could help.
2. Salt bag
Earache due to cold or sinus could be relieved by placing a warm salt bag or warm water bottle on the infected ear. It is a traditional remedy that might work as a hot compress. To put a salt bag, take 100g of salt in a pan and heat it. Seal the salt in a clean cotton cloth and make a pack out of it. Place the bag on the ear and dab it until the heat is lost. It may also reduce the pressurized feeling on the ear.
3. Garlic oil
Garlic has antibacterial properties that could ward off the ear infection (5). Some believe that putting around three drops of garlic oil into the infected ear using a Q-tip might help. It is a safe remedy, but if the infection is severe, you may not know it will pass with this remedy.
4. Olive or mineral oil
Put two drops of olive or mineral oil into the infected ear. The oil is likely to break down the blocked wax, which may then quickly come out of the ear (6). If you continue to experience pain, and the wax is too hard to soften quickly, you should visit a doctor.
5. Warm towel
Heat a towel or a flannel using a heater or a tumble dryer until it is warm. Place the warm towel over the infected ear. It could relieve the pain.
6. Steam inhalation
Inhalation of steam might loosen up the mucus and alleviate the ear pain and infection caused by cold, sinus, or flu. Disclaimer: MomJunction provides information but does not endorse it and is not responsible for any side effects or complications that might arise on use of these remedies. Doctor consultation is a must before trying any remedies.
Treatment For Ear Infections During Pregnancy
Ear infections are usually bacterial in nature, and the microbes could travel further inside your body and weaken the immune system. This might aggravate other infections and health issues. The primary treatment option is to seek medical care.
1. Antibiotics
In case of severe and chronic ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics after ensuring that they do not adversely affect the fetus. They would prescribe only those drugs that fall under the pregnancy category as classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Amoxicillin and Tylenol of category B are prescribed for pregnant women suffering from ear infections. Tylenol, also known as Acetaminophen, is a pain killer (7) that could relieve pain associated with an ear infection. Medicated ear drops are also commonly prescribed. The drops may be directly placed on a Q-tip and then inserted into the ear. This way, the medicine works faster and might have a negligible effect on the growing fetus.
2. Surgery
Surgery is the last and a rare option that doctors might choose. If the ear infection does not go away, the doctor may have to perform surgery (known as myringotomy) to drain the fluid from the middle ear (8). They may also stick tubes into the ear to leak out the excess fluids. The removal of fluid could help you hear better and also relieve many associated symptoms. Surgery is also an option if your adenoids become extremely large. It is opted in severe cases and is mostly postponed until after delivery to rule out any risks for both the mother and baby.
Can An Ear Infection Harm Your Baby?
As long as the infection in the ear does not pass into the bloodstream, it might not affect your unborn baby. You may take the medications to cure the infection in its initial stages itself.
Precautions To Keep Ear Infection Away
Avoid the entry of water into your ears. Water in the ears may increase the microbial content as it makes the ear moist. Clean your ears periodically using cotton swabs to maintain hygiene (9). Do not put earplugs if the ache is due to wax build-up. The cotton plugs may push the wax further into the ear, increasing the pressure and pain in the ear. Image: Shutterstock Ear infections should be treated immediately. Alternative therapies, like homeopathy, may be tried.
Swimmer’s Ear While Pregnant: What Is It All About?
Swimmer’s ear, also referred to as otitis externa, is an infection that occurs in the canal between the outer ear and eardrum. Though this infection is contracted in many ways, it is mainly caused when water enters the ears while swimming or bathing. It may also be due to an infected hair follicle in the ear or rigorous cleaning of the ear (10).
Symptoms Of Swimmer’s Ear
The symptoms of otitis externa in pregnancy include:
A clogged or blocked feeling Itchy ear Fever Ear pain Reduced hearing Swollen lymph nodes
This should be treated immediately as it could lead to temporary hearing loss, and the infection would spread to the cranial nerve and brain. If you notice these symptoms, take immediate steps to treat the condition.
How Can You Treat Swimmer’s Ear?
You may prepare ear drops by mixing rubbing alcohol and vinegar in equal proportions. This natural remedy may dry out the remaining water present in the ear (11). Do not use ear drops if you have damaged eardrums, ear tubes, or already existing ear drainage. Applying a warm towel or hot water bottle may also relieve the pain.
If the above home treatments don’t work, you should consult your doctor. They may prescribe eardrops containing acetic or boric acid; if it is severe, oral antibiotics might help combat the infection.
Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
Some of the simple measures that may help in protecting your ears are as follows:
Do not immerse yourself completely in the water while swimming. Try to keep the head above the water level. Wear earplugs and a swimmer’s cap while swimming. Avoid scratching your ears. Tilt your head once you are out of the pool to drain out the remaining water. Dry the ears using a dry towel or a hairdryer soon after swimming. Image: iStock
