An elderly person has had yellow discharge from the ear and hearing loss for half a month. The village doctor administered cephalosporin, which provided relief, but the condition recurred.
Disease description:
A 76-year-old elderly person in my family has started experiencing yellow discharge from the ear and significant hearing loss over the past half month. Symptoms improved after treatment with cephalosporin by the village doctor, but recurred shortly after discontinuation of the medication.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
Yellow discharge from the ear accompanied by hearing loss in elderly patients may be initially attributed to conditions such as external otitis, otitis media, or eczema of the external auditory canal. Cephalosporin antibiotics can effectively control bacterial infections. If symptoms improve initially but later recur, it may indicate incomplete eradication of the pathogen, development of drug resistance, or the presence of other undiagnosed underlying causes.
Patients are advised to visit the otorhinolaryngology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible for comprehensive examinations, including otoscopic evaluation, hearing tests, and necessary imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans, to determine the exact cause. Based on the test results, the physician will formulate a targeted treatment plan.
During treatment, patients should avoid cleaning the ears themselves to prevent worsening the infection or causing trauma to the ear canal. Ear care should follow professional guidance provided by the physician. Additionally, patients should engage in moderate exercise to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins will also aid in recovery.
