Health Tips for April 27

Health Tip: Caring for a Ruptured Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum typically is caused by an ear infection, an injury to the ear, or sudden changes in air pressure.

Here are suggestions to help heal a ruptured eardrum, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

* Follow all instructions from your doctor, and don't put anything inside your ear unless your doctor says it's OK.
* Keep water out of your ear when you take a bath or shower.
* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
* Be gentle when blowing your nose until your ear has healed.
* Don't go swimming or submerge your ear in water until your doctor approves.

Health Tip: Having a Throat Culture?

A throat culture is a diagnostic test that's often used to diagnose strep throat. While not painful, a throat culture may be uncomfortable and rather frightening for children.

Here is information to help you prepare for a throat culture, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* A throat culture is taken by using a long stick with cotton on the end to swab the throat and check for bacteria.
* Gagging is common during a throat culture, but try to resist the reflex.
* You shouldn't use an antiseptic mouthwash before the test.
* Side effects and pain are rare from a throat culture, but some people may feel nauseous, or may vomit or cough.
* The presence of abnormal bacteria on the culture indicates an infection, often strep throat.