EARS


A few words in your


foRtUNAtElY, EAR pRoBlEmS ARE USUAllY mINoR complAINtS AND EASIlY RESolVES. pIf tAKES A cloSER looK At SomE of thE moSt commoN ISSUES…


EAR


EARwAx Earwax is a natural substance, which is produced by glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. It helps to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent, and, without it, the ears can become dry and itchy, and infection may even arise.


problems arise, however, if there is a build-up of earwax, as this can cause a blockage. Build-up can be caused by putting objects such as hearing aids, Q-tips/cotton buds, or headphones into the ears, as these can act as ‘ramrods’ and simply push the wax even further into the canal.


Symptoms of earwax build-up include: • pain • Itching • Irritation • A feeling of ‘fullness in the ear’ • loss of hearing • Dizziness • Ringing in the ears


If earwax is only causing a patient minor problems, then over-the- counter ear drops from the pharmacy should be enough to help soften the wax so that it falls out naturally. Drops are now available in


sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil versions.


Remember that the ear drops, which should be used several times a day for a few days to soften the wax, aren’t suitable for everyone and some can irritate the skin.


In more serious cases, you should advise patients that they may need to opt for one of the following treatments: • Ear irrigation – also known as lavage. this is a quick and painless procedure where an electric pump is used to push water into the ear and wash the earwax out


• A gp may prescribe ear drops that will soften the wax


EAR INfEctIoNS Ear infections are extremely common and can occur in the ear canal (otitis externa), or behind the eardrum in the middle ear (otitis media). Symptoms usually include itch, pain, discharge and hearing loss.


outer ear infections are usually caused by a bacterial infection of the skin of the ear canal, although it can occasionally be caused by a fungus or yeast. the skin can become so swollen that the ear canal actually closes, causing temporary deafness,


and there can be a scanty discharge from the ear. otitis externa tends to be more common in people who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, and they will often experience an itch before the pain sets in.


It can affect both ears and will often recur if the patient is run down or stressed over a period of time.


treatment for outer ear infections is again usually in the form of antibiotic ear drops, which are applied to the ear canal for about a week. In more severe or long-lasting cases, however, oral antibiotics may be required.


otitis media usually occurs after a cold and is particularly common in children. It’s generally characterised by a severe earache and high temperature, often with associated deafness.


once the eardrum bursts, the pus comes out of the ear and the pain eases. the eardrum heals once the infection settles and the hearing returns to normal.


problems can occur if the infections recur on a regular basis as there can be damage to the eardrum and persistent deafness due to fluid


EAREx Earex - the Ear Experts - offer a range of treatments to treat common ear problems and help maintain optimum ear health. Earex Advance Ear Drops is the original product from Earex, providing a dual-action formula to gently soften earwax and help reduce the need for syringing. when used reguarly, Earex Advance Ear Drops can also prevent the build-up of hardened earwax and is particuarly suited to people who are more likely to suffer from ear wax problems. Earex Adanced Ear Drops may be used by children aged 2 and upwards.


In addition, the Earex range also includes Earex olive oil Ear Drops. Earex olive oil Ear Drops features high quality, medicinal grade olive oil, which gently softens and removes earwax. Suitable for children 5 years and upwards and children under 5 years with medical diagnosis, the product development reflects gp’s recommendation of olive oil as an effective treatment for earwax.


the Earex range, has been developed to help consumers continue their lifestyles without the disruption, discomfort and debilitation caused by ear related problems. All Earex products are available to order now. for more information contact laneshealth on 01452 507458 or visit www.earex.co.uk


8 - phARmAcY IN focUS


remaining behind the eardrum. In these cases, the patient will usually be referred to a specialist.


glUE EAR It’s estimated that up to 80 per cent of children will experience otitis media with effusion (known as glue ear) before they start primary school. No one is really sure what causes glue ear, but it often follows an ear infection. Equally, however, many children will experience an episode of glue ear without having had an ear infection.


the adenoid in the back of the nose may become infected with coughs and colds, and the bacteria then spread into the ear, causing inflammation. It’s thought that the fluid (the ‘glue’) probably forms in the ear as a result of this inflammation.


Some children complain of pain in their ears as a result of the fluid, while others may experience poor attention or balance problems. often the only problem reported by parents is behavioural problems, which are probably due to the child’s frustration at not being able to hear properly. In most cases, the glue ear will get better without treatment.


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