Ear infection treatment in Patong

Ear pain ruins a holiday quickly. It keeps you awake, it makes flying uncomfortable, and it stops you swimming, which is usually why you came. Ear infection treatment in Patong is available around the clock at our clinic on Prachanukroh Road, and most cases improve fast once the right treatment starts.

Swimmer’s ear is the common one here

Otitis externa, better known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the ear canal itself. It is by far the most common ear problem we see in Patong, for obvious reasons: people are in the sea and pools every day.

Water sits in the canal, softens the skin, and bacteria take hold. The signs are pain that gets noticeably worse when you tug the outer ear or press the small flap in front of it, itching, a feeling of fullness, and sometimes discharge. Hearing can become muffled.

Middle ear infection

Otitis media sits behind the eardrum and usually follows a cold or sinus congestion rather than swimming. It is more common in children. The pain is deeper and more constant, often with fever, and pulling the ear does not particularly change it.

Sometimes the eardrum perforates, which releases discharge and, oddly, relieves the pain suddenly. That needs proper assessment rather than relief that it has stopped hurting.

How we work out which it is

The doctor looks in the ear with an otoscope. That sounds obvious, and it is the step most self-treatment skips. It matters because the treatment differs: swimmer’s ear generally needs antibiotic ear drops applied directly, while a middle ear infection may need oral antibiotics, and often needs nothing more than pain relief and time.

It also matters because ear drops can be harmful if the eardrum is perforated. Buying drops over a counter without knowing which problem you have is a genuine risk, not a technicality.

Treatment

For swimmer’s ear we clean the canal where needed and prescribe antibiotic drops, sometimes combined with a steroid to settle swelling. Pain relief matters, because ear pain is disproportionately unpleasant. Most people are markedly better within two to three days.

For middle ear infections we treat the pain and fever, and prescribe antibiotics where the picture justifies it. Many viral cases settle without antibiotics, and we will say so rather than prescribing automatically.

Staying out of the water

The advice nobody wants. Keep water out of the ear until the infection has cleared, usually seven to ten days. Swimming with an ear infection prolongs it, and putting drops in an ear you are refilling with seawater every afternoon does not work.

Do not use cotton buds. They push debris deeper, scratch the canal and make the infection worse. Dry the outer ear gently with a towel and tilt your head to let water drain.

Ear pain and flying

If you have a flight coming up, tell us. Congestion or infection makes pressure changes painful and, occasionally, causes damage to the eardrum. We treat the congestion, advise on decongestants and technique, and can issue a fit to fly certificate where your airline asks for one.

Common questions about ear infections in Patong

How long until it improves?

Most people feel better within two to three days of starting treatment, with full recovery in about a week.

Can I swim if I use earplugs?

Not while it is infected. Earplugs are useful for preventing the next one, not for swimming through this one.

How much does treatment cost in Patong?

Consultation plus drops or antibiotics. Message us for a quote.

Can you treat my child?

Yes, and ear infections are common in children. Bring their weight for correct dosing.

Can a doctor come to my hotel?

Yes, our doctors carry otoscopes and can examine and treat ears during a hotel visit.