I did this for the first time last night and woke up with no symptoms. totally cleared... does anyone else do this? (please let me know if you are from medical community as well)
2007-02-14 06:24:01 · 10 answers · asked by perfect_picasso 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
You can put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal to have it sort of "foam out" impacted ear wax... and to help in clearing up an OUTER ear infection (like swimmer's ear)
What people generally mean by an "ear infection" is otitis media, which is a middle ear infection, caused by fluid building up in the eustachean tube (on the other side of the ear drum... not on the outside in the outer ear canal)
You should never use peroxide in an ear that has tubes (grommets) or where the ear drum has perforated (popped, leaving a tiny opening) Often, an untreated middle ear infection will perforate the eardrum and that is the intense pain experienced for a brief period during an ear infection.
Chances are, what has actually happened, is that you had pressure built up in the ear, causing you pain. Either the eardrum has perforated or the pressure has reduced on its own by the fluid level dropping back to normal or draining out of the perforated area. The peroxide was likely not of any consequence unless it was an outer ear infection to begin with.
It would be best, until you know if the eardrum perforated, not to use any more peroxide... and if symptoms return or you run a fever or have pain in the side of your face, throat or jaw, please seek professional advice from your physician as you may need an antibiotic to completely clear any infection.
2007-02-14 09:10:21 · answer #1 · answered by thegirlwholovedbrains 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many times in an ear infection, the eustacian tubes are inflammed as well, which prevents drainage to the throat. a warm compress on the area over the tube (right under the ear on your neck) and decongestants like sudafed can help clear the tube, relieving the pressure and allowing it to drain.
also, alcohol is more effective at drying out ears (use a qtip, dont go in very far) a little dab will do ya...thats usually used by swimmers, not peroxide. for irrigating an ear we would usually use a warm saline flush.
2007-02-14 07:39:32 · answer #2 · answered by Psy_Chick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use in the ear. It dissolves ear wax, prevents colds & flu, and cleanses the blood. However if you have an ear infection hydrogen peroxide will not clear it. you need antiboitics to rid an infection.
~CHARMED~
2007-02-14 06:43:23 · answer #3 · answered by ~CHARMED~ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every two weeks I sacrifice a shower for a bath and I clean my ears with the peroxide. Leave it in 'till it stops bubbling.
2007-02-14 06:30:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done this to get water out of my ear. I doubt you had an ear infection if it went away that quickly.
2007-02-14 06:27:49 · answer #5 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be effective for otitis externa and can be used to prevent infections and to treat swimmer's ear. It won't help with middle ear (otitis media) infections.
2007-02-14 06:30:16 · answer #6 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no the only access the peroxide and water has is the canal itslef not all the sinus cavities which have the infection
2007-02-14 06:26:34 · answer #7 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Never play doctor on yourself,consult a good doctor.You may not be so lucky next time.
2007-02-14 06:29:39 · answer #8 · answered by SKG R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes but use a qtip.
2007-02-14 06:26:01 · answer #9 · answered by Lynnemarie 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
NO!
Don't do it again you moron!
2007-02-14 06:26:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋