What should I do for a painful and inflamed ear?

Ear pain and inflammation can be managed symptomatically through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention.

1. General Treatment

During treatment, patients should maintain proper cleaning and care of the ear area to reduce the risk of secondary infection. Additionally, intake of spicy, raw, or cold foods—known to be irritating—should be limited to avoid worsening symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, and ear discharge.

2. Medication

Based on blood tests, biopsy results, or other biochemical examinations, patients may, under medical supervision, use medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefdinir dispersible tablets, or lincomycin hydrochloride ear drops for targeted anti-infective therapy. If significant ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ear is present, pain relief and reduction of swelling can be achieved with medications such as ibuprofen capsules or hydrocortisone-neomycin ear drops, used strictly as directed by a physician.

3. Surgical Treatment

If ear inflammation progresses to an advanced stage, it may be accompanied by suppurative (pus-forming) infection. In such cases, patients may consider surgical options—including tympanocentesis, myringotomy, or insertion of a tympanic ventilation tube—based on medical recommendations.