Ear infection can not be cured by only prescribed medicines, but it can be treated at home by following home remedies such as warm and cold compress, Olive Oil, eardrops, and more.Ear infection can happen in different types as it can be in the inner, middle, and outer of the ear. Using home remedies for ear infections can provide some relief.
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection (acute otitis media) occurs when viruses and bacteria infect behind your eardrums. It can also occur in the middle, inner, and outer ear, which can cause inflammation and pain by infected buildup fluid.
Causes and Symptoms of Ear Infection
Bacteria and viruses occurrence in the ear can be caused by ear infections. It can also happen due to cold or upper repository infections.
Common Symptoms Of Ear Infections are:
- Pain inside the ear
- High temperature in the ear
- Feeling pressure and fullness in the ear
- Discharging fluid from the ear
- Itchiness and irritation in the ear
- Difficulty in hearing sound
- Headache
- Trouble in sleeping
Best Home Remedies for Treating Ear Infection
Following home remedies for treating ear infections can provide immediate pain relief and can also heal itself. Most ear infections can get through on their own and can’t heal through medicines. It is suggested to try home remedies if symptoms are mild. If it is longer than usual 2-3 days consider to prescribe from a doctor. There are various kinds of home remedies that you can follow to relieve ear infections.
Cold Symptoms Treatment
Ear infection can happen by an infected repository system which develops a cold, can cause irritation and itchiness in the ear canals, and may cause mucus, bacteria, and viruses.
You can try home remedies to get relief from cold:
- Drink ginger tea with honey.
- Use humidifier
- Drink plenty of liquid
- Take rest
- Take decongestant medicines
Hot or Cold Compress
Some people use hot and others use a cold compress as per their preferences.
A hot compress can provide some relief in ear pain due to ear infections. Heat can promote and relax the muscles around the ear and help in better flow of fluid.
Use a clean cloth and soak it in warm water (avoid too hot water) wring out extra water hold it next to the ear for 20 minutes and use it three times a day.
Use an ice pack on your ear for 10-15 minutes at a time and three times a day. It will help to provide relief from ear inflammation and pain.
Gargling by Salt Water
Gargling with lukewarm water mixed with salt is helpful in ear pain which is due to cold and sore throat. This practice can help in reducing the acute pain in the ear and throat. It can decrease mouth pathogens and is also good for dental and gum health.
Gargle with warm water for 10-15 seconds at a time and repeat it twice a day.
Naturopathic Ear Drops
Naturopathic ear drops are made with herbal extracts, which can help relieve ear infection symptoms and dry out the ear canal, which is used to support the healing of earache and infection.
Some studies found that using naturopathic ear drops can increase the effectiveness of antibiotics and can manage ear pain as OTC(over-the-counter) drops.
OTC (Over the Counter) Medication
OTC medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen relievers help to reduce earache, which is caused by ear infections. These medications can also help to relieve inflammation and discomfort in the ear.
Adults can try these medicines:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen
Aspirin should be avoided for children with fever, it can be the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, which is a form of brain disease.
Before using OTC medicine you should also prescribe from your doctor too, whenever you are taking some other medication.
Ginger
Ginger is a root, used as a spice in food which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has been used as a herbal remedy for several years for health benefits.
Some people claim that using ginger or ginger juice around the outer ear can provide relief from inflammation, itchiness, and earache. Never allow to ginger enter into the ear canal.
Adding ginger to your diet can help to heal and fight infection naturally.
Exercises of Neck
Having an infection in the ear can increase swelling around your ear canal which can increase the pressure and pain in the ear.
You can rotate or do little neck exercises if it provides you some relief.
You can try these exercises:
- Rotate your neck to one shoulder and move it to the other shoulder.
- Shrugging your shoulders up and down.
Changes in Sleep Position
While you are sleeping you should prop your head up a bit, it can help to reduce earache, this position helps to drain sinuses and Eustachian tubes easily.
You should avoid sleeping in the infected ear position. If you sleep infected side it can create pressure in the ear and can be cause of excess pain.
Olive Oil
Using olive oil in the ears helps to clear earwax and act also towards ear infections. It is used traditionally and break up the jammed wax from the ear canal.
Some natural oils provide antimicrobial properties which means they can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Using olive oil drops regularly is not recommended.
Conclusion
Ear infection often heals on its own, and using home remedies can also help to heal the infection immediately. You should focus on precautions before having any ear infection and you aren’t required to take any medicines.
You can relieve ear infections and pain at home by following the above-mentioned home remedies. If your child has severe pain in the ear, it indicates an infection in the ear then you should get a health checkup from a doctor. Hopefully uou like the article, and thanks for giving the valuable time in the Healthetive.com platform.