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Hi there, I think I might have a infection. Can you help me?
10:04 AM
Dr. Puopolo
Of course. Let's go over your symptoms and find the right treatment for you.
10:05 AM
Prescription treatments are tailored to your specific condition, ensuring effective relief.
Urgent evaluation is crucial to identify your condition early and prevent complications.
Accurate testing, if needed, can confirm your diagnosis and guide the best course of treatment
Licensed providers can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy within an hour, day or night.
step 1
Book a telehealth appointment from wherever you are. No insurance necessary.
step 2
Meet with a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner from your mobile device.
step 3
Get a prescription if needed (save up to 90%), and pick it up at your pharmacy.
Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. Many people confuse ear infections with swimmer's ear. A middle ear infection (otitis media) affects the space behind the eardrum and often follows a cold or respiratory infection, whereas swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by water exposure and bacteria.
Ear infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as ear pain, pressure or fullness in the ear, difficulty hearing, fluid drainage from the ear, fever, and in children, increased fussiness or trouble sleeping.
Getting the right treatment plan for an ear infection can help relieve pain, clear the infection, and prevent complications like hearing loss or the infection spreading.
With LifeMD, you can get immediate help and treatment online without an in-office appointment. Prescription antibiotics can treat ear infections effectively and help clear the condition quickly, typically within a few days.
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Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from building cell walls, which kills the bacteria causing the ear infection. It's the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for ear infections and is effective against the bacteria that most frequently cause middle ear infections, particularly in children. It's typically taken two to three times daily for five to 10 days, and most people notice improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment.
Augmentin is a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanate, which works by killing bacteria while the clavulanate prevents bacteria from becoming resistant to the amoxicillin. It's often prescribed when a standard amoxicillin treatment has failed or for recurrent ear infections. It's typically taken twice daily for seven to 10 days and is effective against a broader range of bacteria than amoxicillin alone, though it may cause more stomach upset.
Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by interfering with bacterial cell wall formation, ultimately killing the bacteria causing the infection. It's often prescribed for people who are allergic to penicillin or when first-line antibiotics haven't worked. It's typically taken once or twice daily for five to 10 days and is well-tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than some other antibiotics. It's effective against most bacteria that cause ear infections.
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Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear, usually following a cold, flu, or respiratory infection that causes congestion and swelling. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps drain fluid, can become blocked due to inflammation or mucus buildup. When this tube is blocked, fluid gets trapped in the middle ear, creating an environment where bacteria or viruses can multiply and cause infection.
Other risk factors include allergies, sinus infections, exposure to secondhand smoke, bottle-feeding while lying down in infants, and attending daycare where exposure to respiratory illnesses is common.
Online ear infection treatments typically involve a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. During the consultation, you can discuss your symptoms, describe the type and severity of pain, provide your medical history, and explain any recent colds or respiratory infections. Your provider will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with an ear infection and determine if antibiotics or other medications are needed.
You'll then receive a personalized treatment plan with medication recommendations and any necessary prescriptions. Your healthcare provider may also recommend pain management strategies and follow-up care if symptoms don't improve.
It's important to be open and honest during your consultation to help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis. Be sure to provide your doctor with detailed information, such as:
• Your symptoms, including pain level, ear drainage, or hearing changes
• When symptoms started and whether you recently had a cold or respiratory infection
• Previous ear infections and how they were treated
• Underlying health conditions, current medications, or any allergies
The more information you can provide, the better your doctor can assess whether you have an ear infection, determine the appropriate treatment, and decide if you need further evaluation.
LifeMD offers online ear infection treatments and can provide you with the prescriptions you need. You can have these sent to your local pharmacy, where your medication will be prepared for pick-up.
When it comes to treating ear infections, most people start feeling better within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotics. Pain relief medications can provide comfort within hours while the antibiotics work to clear the infection. The full course of antibiotics typically lasts five to 10 days depending on the medication prescribed, and it's important to complete the entire course even if you feel better to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
If symptoms don't improve after two to three days of treatment, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider as you may need a different antibiotic or further evaluation to rule out complications.
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