Sunday, September 24, 2023

Ear Infection At Home Treatment

What Increases Your Risk

Ear infection home remedies (plus treatments)

Some things that increase the risk for middle ear infection are out of your control. These include:

  • Age. Children ages 3 years and younger are most likely to get ear infections. Also, young children get more colds and other upper respiratory infections. Most children have at least one ear infection before they are 7 years old.
  • Birth defects or other medical conditions. Babies with cleft palate or Down syndrome are more likely to get ear infections.
  • Weakened immune system. Children with severely impaired immune systems have more ear infections than healthy children.
  • Family history. Children are more likely to have repeat middle ear infections if a parent or sibling had repeat ear infections.
  • Allergies. Allergies cause long-term stuffiness in the nose that can block one or both eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose and throat with the middle ears. This blockage can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear.

Other things that increase the risk for ear infection include:

Things that increase the risk for repeated ear infections also include:

Do Olive Oil And Garlic Also Help Against Earache

Garlic in the ear is an alternative to the onion for ear pain. Cut it into small pieces, heat it slightly and wrap it in a cloth before placing it directly on the ear. It is also possible to squeeze the juice out of the toes and drizzle the cloth with it so that the garlic can work against ear pain.

However, slightly warmed olive oil that is dripped directly into the ear is not recommended. With a perforated eardrum, this home remedy can even make the symptoms worse. In addition, germs can get into the ear with the oil or cause burns if the ear is treated with heat at the same time.

Earache Remedies For Kids

Since children are especially prone to ear infections, given smaller eustachian tubes, there are some medications on the market specifically for earaches in kids. Drugstores sell pain-relieving eardrops that can help your child feel better if their earache is due to a cold or flu, swimmers ear, or allergies.

In addition, childrens formula acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used as earache remedies to help ease discomfort from inflammation in kids 6 months or older. Be sure to consult your childs pediatrician before giving NSAIDs and avoid aspirin for children under 16.

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Treating Ear Problems With Ear Tubes

Whether your child needs tubes depends on their history with infections. Your doctor might suggest tubes if your child gets a lot of them, meaning:

  • Three or more in 6 months
  • Four or more in a year

Most commonly, kids get tubes because of:

  • Trapped fluid behind the eardrum
  • Long-term infections that antibiotics havenât helped
  • Fluid buildup that causes hearing loss, even if thereâs no infection
  • Persistent ear infection that results in tearing or a hole in the eardrum

How Do I Use It

Home remedies for ear infection in adults

While theres no clear evidence about the effectiveness of olive oil on its own for common ear problems, its also not associated with any serious health consequences, so you can still try it to see for yourself.

To apply drops to your ear, use a glass dropper or you can dip a cotton swab in olive oil and allow the excess to drip into your ear. Dont put the cotton swab or any other object in your ear.

You can use room-temperature olive oil, though some people prefer to warm it up in a pan over low heat. Make sure to test the temperature on your skin first. The oil should be just slightly warm, not hot.

Follow these instructions to safely apply olive oil to your ears at home:

  • Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
  • Gently pull your outer part of your ear back and up to open your ear canal.
  • Put two or three drops of olive oil in the opening of your ear.
  • Gently massage the skin at the front of the entrance to your ear canal to help the oil work its way in.
  • Remain on your side for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe away any extra oil that drips from your ear when you sit up.
  • Repeat in the other ear if needed.
  • Tailor the application to your need, and contact your doctor if you arent seeing the desired results:

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    What Are The Symptoms Of An Ear Infection

    Ear infection symptoms can come on quickly. Signs and symptoms may look different in children than adults. Depending on their age, you may have to look for certain signs when your child can’t tell you their ear hurts.

    Ear infection symptoms in children include:

    • Ear pain, more frequent when laying down
    • Tugging or pulling at the ear
    • Hard time sleeping

    Ear infection symptoms in adults include:

    • Fluid drainage from the ear
    • Trouble hearing

    Make Sure You Know Which Ear Youre Treating

    Take your cat to the treatment area.

    If youve forgotten which ear requires treatment, refer to the directions or call your vet. Often, pet parents describe their pets problem area from their perspective instead of from their pets perspective.

    So when the vet or the staff say right or left ear, remember that they are talking about the cats left ear, which is on the right when youre looking at your cat.

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    Check If It’s An Ear Infection

    The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

    • discharge running out of the ear
    • a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
    • itching and irritation in and around the ear
    • scaly skin in and around the ear

    Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:

    • rub or pull their ear
    • not react to some sounds
    • be irritable or restless
    • be off their food
    • keep losing their balance

    Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

    If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

    Differences between middle and outer ear infections

    Inner ear infection Middle ear infection Outer ear infection
    Can affect both children and adults Usually affects children Usually affects adults aged 45 to 75
    Caused by viral or bacterial infections Caused by viruses like colds and flu Caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as eczema, water or wearing earplugs
    Affects parts of the inner ear like the labyrinth and vestibular system, and can lead to labyrinthitis Affects the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose Affects the ear canal

    Do Alternative Therapies Work

    Ear Infections: Best Ways to Treat at Home and Prevent that Earache

    Alternative ear infection treatments abound on the internet and in books and magazines. They include chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy, herbal eardrops and others.

    Perhaps you’re seeking alternative treatments for your or your child’s ear infection because you’re concerned about using antibiotics or because your doctor has recommended watchful waiting. You may turn to alternative treatments to ease discomfort.

    In most cases, however, researchers haven’t studied alternative ear infection treatments adequately using widely accepted scientific methods. For this reason, alternative ear infection treatments aren’t generally recommended for use in children.

    Some alternative ear infection treatments have been studied with mixed results.

    Before your child uses an alternative ear infection treatment, be sure to:

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    What Are Homeopathic Remedies For An Ear Infection

    There are many treatments for ear infections in classical homeopathy. Keep in mind that homeopathic medicine is not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration .

    Homeopathic remedies come from the belief that “like cures like.” That means that what causes disease symptoms in healthy individuals will cure the same symptoms in ill people. Most remedies are a combination of a natural substance and a synthetic compound to enhance the therapeutic benefits. You should choose the right dosage with caution, so you don’t experience severe effects.

    Homeopathic remedies include:

    Belladonna . Belladonna works best for ear pain that fluctuates. It is accompanied by a fever, flushing, and sensitivity to light. You should have a quick response to belladonna. Belladonna works by blocking some functions of your nervous system, and the plant itself is highly toxic.

    Dosages will depend on the severity of your condition. For acute cases, 30C is recommended. For severe cases, you may need 200C, 1M, or 10M.

    Wolfsbane . Wolfsbane is another commonly recommended home remedy for ear infections. It works best for ear pain that comes on quickly, and often after you’re outside in the cold and wind. This remedy works best when you also have a high fever, agitation, and a feeling of restlessness.

    The recommended dosage is 200C. You should take 10 doses orally three times a day or as directed by your doctor.

    Symptoms of wolfsbane may include:

    • Heaviness in chest

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    Is It Safe To Use

    While olive oil is generally safe, there are a few precautions you should take when using it in your ears.

    Dont use olive oil or any other product in the ear if you have a ruptured ear drum. If youre not sure if you have a ruptured ear drum, see your doctor before using any remedy in your ear, including natural remedies.

    Dont place cotton swabs or any other object inside the ear to remove wax or relieve itching. This can easily damage your ear drum or push wax deeper into your ear. Putting cotton swabs in your ear also increases your risk of developing an ear infection. Its also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room with ear injuries each year.

    Finally, make sure to use only room-temperature or just slightly warmed olive oil to avoid burning the delicate skin in your ear.

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    Fever In Young Infants

    If a baby younger than 3 months old has a rectal temperature or forehead temperature of 100.4 F or higher, they need to go to the emergency room, even if there are no other symptoms.

    For infants age 6 months or older, toddlers, and older children: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are options.

    Never give children aspirin, as it puts them at risk of a rare but serious condition known as Reye’s syndrome.

    For adults: Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help. Neither aspirin nor naproxen should be given to children unless directed by a healthcare provider.

    How To Use It

    Sweet Oil and Other Home Remedies for Painful Ear Infections
  • Apply about half an ear dropper full of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into the ear canal.
  • Let it bubble and fizz.
  • Allow it to drain properly by turning your head to the side and pulling back on the top of your ear.
  • Use drying drops or a hairdryer to eliminate any moisture that is left behind in the ear.
  • If using OTC drops, follow the directions on the label.

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    A Pharmacist Can Help With An Ear Infection

    Speak to a pharmacist if you think you have an outer ear infection.

    They can recommend acidic eardrops to help stop bacteria or fungus spreading.

    • a long-term medical condition such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
    • a weakened immune system because of chemotherapy, for example

    Ear Infection Risks & Complications

    If left untreated, ear infections can lead to medical complications like:

    • Mastoiditis: This is a rare inflammation of a bone close to the ear. It is a serious bacterial infection that is more common in children than adults. Invasive measures need to be taken to treat mastoiditis including surgical draining of the middle ear & mastoid air cells from the bone.
    • Perforated Eardrum: A serious ear infection can lead to a damaged or ruptured eardrum, causing hearing loss, ear discharge, & earache. Perforated eardrums may heal on their own if infection is kept in check by early intervention but in some cases will need surgery to repair the eardrum / small bones of the ear to improve/restore hearing.
    • Loss of Hearing: Ear infections cause a buildup of fluid in the ear, resulting in temporary but, in some cases, potentially long term hearing loss.
    • Chronic Vertigo: Vertigo or impaired balance can be caused by a viral infection. Usually it is temporary but may be recurrent if the treatment is delayed.

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    Pain Relievers For Earaches

    If you or your child is experiencing an infection, youll likely want relief from the pain fast.

    For quick relief, your doctor may also suggest reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever, with or without the addition of antibiotics.

    Acetaminophen or ibuprofen could help, though youll always want to check with your doctor to be sure.

    When To See Your Doctor

    5 Natural Remedies For Ear Infections

    Trapped water usually goes away without treatment. If it bothers you, consider trying one of these home treatments to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still trapped after 2 to 3 days or if you show signs of infection, you should call your doctor.

    If your ear becomes inflamed or swollen, you may have developed an ear infection. An ear infection can become serious if you dont get treatment for it. It may lead to hearing loss or other complications, such as cartilage and bone damage.

    Your doctor can prescribe medications to eliminate infection and relieve pain.

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    Treating An Middle Ear Infection

  • 1Wait and see. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that physicians take a wait and see approach to the treatment of otitis media in many cases. Most infections will resolve spontaneously within two weeks with the pain significantly reduced within three to four days.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the worlds leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Watch children aged 6 months to 23 months who have a temperature less than 102.2 °F , have only mild ear pain in one ear, and who have symptoms less than 48 hours.
  • Watch children 24 months or older who have mild pain in one or both ears with a temperature of less than 102.2 °F and symptoms less than 48 hours.
  • Children with the following medical conditions are not candidates for a wait and see approachXResearch source: children with cleft palate, children with Downs Syndrome, children with underlying immune system disorders, children under six months old, and children with a history of recurrent middle ear infections.
  • Although the antibiotics will address the growth of bacteria in the middle ear, it takes a couple of days for reduction in pressure and the pain to get better.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the worlds leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Watch for side effects from antibiotics.XResearch source Some children can experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from the use of antibiotics.
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    What Are Ear Tubes

    Ear tubes are very small metal or plastic tubes a doctor inserts in your childâs ears to help reduce the number of ear infections by allowings fluid or pus to drain. Other names for them include tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes.

    Theyâre like a section of a really tiny drinking straw. Theyâre round, hollow, and usually made of metal or plastic.

    Your doctor makes a small opening in the eardrum and puts in the tube to let air into the middle ear.

    Almost all children have at least one ear infection by the time theyâre 5. But if they occur over and over or your child has hearing loss because of fluid build-up, your doctor might suggest ear tubes.

    If other treatments arenât working, they can provide relief for your child. They also prevent long-term hearing problems.

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    Homeopathic Earache Relief Ear Drops

    Homeopathic earache relief drops with herbal extracts, such as Similasan, are popular for earache treatment and have been in use for decades. Similasan earache relief dropsactive ingredients include:

    • Chamomilla 10X for sensitivity to drafts, soothing
    • Mercurius solubilis 15X relieves fullness, sensitivity to cold
    • Sulphur 12X reduces itchiness, sensitivity to water

    Ear Pain: What To Do In Young Ears

    Natural Remedies For Ear Infections

    Ear pain is common in children. However, since they are more sensitive than adults, some home remedies for ear pain in children need caution. For example, essential oils contained in mustard irritate the skin, which is why they should only be used sparingly. Onion wraps offer a gentle way to treat earache in toddlers. The warmth of a lukewarm cherry stone pillow also helps. Children often do not want the ear that hurts to be touched. In this case, a red light lamp can help, which warms the ear from a distance. However, this type of treatment may only take place under the supervision of adults. If there is suspicion of otitis media, an ENT doctor should be consulted to clarify the causes and explain treatment options to parents.

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    Perform The Valsalva Maneuver

    This method can also help open closed eustachian tubes. Be careful not to blow too hard. This can damage your ear drum.

  • Breathe deeply. Then close your mouth and gently squeeze your nostrils shut with your fingers.
  • Slowly blow the air out of your nose. If you hear a popping sound, it means the eustachian tubes have opened.
  • What Home Remedies Relieve Ear Pain And Cure Ear Infections

    Natural and over-the-counter nonprescription remedies for ear infections:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, for example, acetaminophen and ibuprofen . Those over 18 years of age can also consider aspirin for pain. Those younger than 18 should avoid aspirin due to its association with Reye’s syndrome .
  • For ear pain associated with a middle ear infection without an eardrum perforation, warm oil dripped gently into the ear canal and held in place by a cotton ball may help ease ear pain. Warm oil is less likely to be helpful for swimmers ear.
  • A warm or cold compress may help ear pain. Some people find alternating between a warm and cold compress helpful
  • Naturopathic eardrops have been tried to control ear pain and the primary ear infection with limited success. Naturopathic eardrops have not been approved by the FDA
  • Tea tree oil eardrops are widely used but have the same limitations discussed concerning naturopathic eardrops.
  • An oil containing ginger may be applied to the pinna. Advocates of this preparation urge avoid pouring ginger oil into the ear canal.
  • Anecdotal testimonies exist praising the use of garlic oil poured into the ear canal as an effective therapy for outer and middle ear infections.
  • Parents of young children with middle ear infections have long since noted the reluctance to put pressure on the side of the infected ear. Sleeping with the painful side up may be of help in the management of ear pain.

    Which parts of the ear can become infected?

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