Having an ear infection can be very painful. Earaches are uncomfortable for both adults and children, but they are simple to treat if you know what to do. Let’s look at some of the greatest ear infection home treatments as well as some ear infection medicines.
Is It Possible To Eliminate Ear Infections – What Are The Natural Remedies for It?
Contents
Ear infections are most often caused by bacteria or viruses (acute otitis media). Allergies, colds, or upper respiratory issues frequently cause ear infections. An infection occurs when the tubes of the ear get clogged with fluid and mucus.
Children get more ear infections than adults, and the majority will have at least one ear infection before the age of three. One of the major reasons toddlers have more middle ear infections than adults is because their eustachian tubes are shorter.
The following symptoms can be caused by ear infections:
- Pain in the inner ear
- Fever
- Hearing impairment
- Sleeping problems
- Balancing is difficult.
- The ear is discharging fluid.
- Throat discomfort
Ear Infection Home Remedies
The following are the most frequent ear infection treatments that can help alleviate pain and other symptoms:
- Compresses, either cold or warm
- Neck workouts
- Mullein, Vitamin D, and Garlic Oil
- Chiropractic treatment
- Peroxide of hydrogen
- Ear drops with ginger that is naturopathic in nature
- Altering your sleeping posture
- ACV (apple cider vinegar)
- Facial gua sha acupuncture
1.Compresses, either cold or warm
Warm and cold compresses can both reduce ear infection discomfort. For a simple ear infection cure, place a heating pad or a cold washcloth on the ear for 10 to 15 minutes, or alternate between hot and cold.
2. Neck stretches
Neck movements that rotate the neck might help alleviate ear canal pressure caused by ear infections. How to Perform Neck Rotation Exercises?
- Straighten up as you sit or stand.
- Turn your neck to the right so that it is parallel to your right shoulder.
- Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Rep this exercise on the opposite side.
- Raise your shoulders upward, as though you’re attempting to reach your earlobes with them.
- Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Repetition of these workouts throughout the day is recommended.
3. Mullein
Mullein oil, derived from the mullein plant’s blossoms, is an excellent pain reliever for ear infections. Mullein is available as a stand-alone tincture or as a component in herbal ear drops at most health food stores.
4. Vitamin D
This may appear unrelated to ear infections, yet it has been shown to strengthen the immune system. Ear infections are less likely to occur in those who have a stronger immune system. According to a 2017 study published in Acta Paediatrica, raising blood levels of vitamin D by food consumption, supplementation, or a combination of the two may lower the incidence of ear infections.
5. Oil of garlic
Garlic oil eardrops, which have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal characteristics, can be administered to the ear canal to help destroy bacteria or viruses that may be causing an ear infection. You may also prepare your garlic oil eardrops by soaking crushed garlic cloves in heated olive oil.
6. Chiropractic treatment
Chiropractic adjustments may assist to relax the muscles around the ear, allowing retained fluid to flow. According to one research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic treatment may help young infants with ear infections.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can help keep ears clean by keeping dirt and germs out of the middle ear. It is very beneficial in avoiding the swimmer’s ear. Apply a little quantity of hydrogen peroxide to the ear canal, being cautious not to get too much into the ear itself.
8. Ginger
Ginger, which is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory qualities, can be applied to the outer ear canal in the form of juice or infused oil, but it should never be poured directly into the ear.
9. Altering your sleeping posture
If you sleep on your side, consider sleeping with your afflicted ear facing up rather than down into the pillow. Sleeping with your afflicted ear on a pillow may irritate it worse. Suggesting this to youngsters who might not think of it instinctively can help them sleep better at night.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Because it contains acetic acid, which is antimicrobial, apple cider vinegar may aid in the treatment of ear infections. Mix equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar in a dropper vial and administer a few drops to the afflicted ear. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in the warm water vinegar solution and place it on the outside of the ear.
An ear infection may not respond to self-care or over-the-counter medicines. Knowing when to consult a doctor can help prevent future issues.
You should visit a doctor if your earache is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or hearing loss. You might be required to visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.