10 Home Remedies For Ear Infection
The outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear are the three components that make up the ear. Bacteria, fungi, or viruses can infect any of these three components of the ear.
Although ear infections frequently go away on their own, they might sometimes hurt because of swelling or fluid accumulation.
Otitis media is the name of the most typical type of ear infection. It is brought on by middle ear inflammation and infection. Ear infections that develop in the ear canal are less frequent.
An ear infection can be very uncomfortable. People may feel pain in their ears, have difficulty hearing or notice fluid draining from their ears.
There are a few at-home treatments that can help, even though the majority of ear infections go away on their own. If symptoms are mild, you could try them for the first two or three days.
The following are a few of the home remedies that could be tried for ear infections-
Warm Compress
As heat compresses increase blood flow to the area, they could help soothe and draw out ear infections as well as reduce discomfort and inflammation.
The fact that heat compresses can be created at home is the finest aspect. Simply soak a towel in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and use the towel as a heat compress.
You can also apply a warm water bottle over the infected ear. To get some relief, apply a warm towel or warm bottle for 20 minutes, but take a short break in between.
Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever
Home treatments for ear infections may benefit greatly from over-the-counter fever and pain relievers.
Painkillers sold over the counter for pain relief include Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol or Panadol (acetaminophen) for ear infections.
Since ear infections sometimes go hand in hand with fever, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be used to reduce fever.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that over-the-counter medicines could mix with prescription medications and cause negative effects.
If you are taking antibiotics, you can still use over-the-counter painkillers. Always seek professional medical advice as necessary.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A substance that can be used to treat ear infections is hydrogen peroxide. Fill a syringe with 1 ml of the hydrogen peroxide solution.
Fill your ear with the solution by placing the syringe on the ear’s opening. After letting the solution sit for a few minutes, lean over a sink to let the liquid drain out, then dump the extra liquid onto a tissue.
However, because the middle ear is too close to the eardrum and may cause irritation, inflammation, and pain, using too much hydrogen peroxide to treat middle ear infections may make matters worse. Consequently, use it sparingly.
Olive Oil
For many years, ear infections have been treated at home using olive oil. According to the research that is currently available, using a little olive oil on the ears is probably harmless.
Olive oil is loaded with bioactive substances, some of which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, including hydroxytyrosol, and is unlikely to irritate the ear.
Olive oil should be heated before applying it to your ears. Using a dropper, dribble the oil into the infected ear. Give it some time to rest. After that, use a cotton swab to remove any extra oil.
Avoid Putting Pressure
Sleeping on the side of the afflicted ear should be avoided. When it comes to getting some rest while dealing with ear infection symptoms, sleeping upright is very beneficial.
When you have an ear infection, lying on your back is not recommended because it can make the pressure in your ears worse.
However, sleeping upright can help your ear’s fluid drain more easily and reduce pressure and pain in your middle ear.
To help relieve some of the pressure caused by consistently sleeping in one position, you can alternate positions frequently while you’re asleep.
You can try keeping your head elevated above your body by resting it on two or more pillows.
Ginger
Ginger could be used for treating ear infection due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving characteristics.
It is a food that can genuinely aid you to relieve the pain brought on by your ear infection and is present in practically every household.
Apply freshly squeezed ginger juice to the outer ear canal to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Warm up a teaspoon of olive oil with ginger if you want to use it as ginger oil.
Avoid inserting directly into the ear. To relieve ear pain, massage the oil into the ear canal.
Holy Basil
Holy basil has an antibacterial effect that eliminates any bacteria that may be blamed for your ear infection. It works well to cure ear infections.
When applied locally or taken orally, it also lessens ear pain and irritation. Additionally, holy basil can be used to treat severe ear infections that may result in fever.
To treat the infected ear, you can crush four to five holy basil leaves and use the juice. Before using the juice, strain it. Use a dropper to apply 2 drops inside each ear.
You could also combine coconut oil and holy basil juice. Wipe the inner ear and the ear edges after soaking a piece of cloth in the oil mixture.
Distraction
It might be difficult at times to deal with the discomfort and symptoms of an ear infection. Therefore, it’s crucial for persons with ear infections to stay distracted.
Although adults can also benefit, children with ear infections benefit most from this method. It might be beneficial to watch your favorite movie, treat yourself to a good book, or do something else to take your mind off the discomfort.
The goal is to relieve your pain by distracting yourself from it and avoid interfering with your ability to hear due to the infection in your ears.
Garlic And Coconut Oil
Ear infections respond well to coconut oil treatment. Considering that garlic has healing qualities as well, combining the two gives your ear infection treatment a boost.
Simply saute two raw garlic cloves until fragrant in two tablespoons of coconut oil. Put a few drops of this mixture in your ear canal after straining and pouring it into a sterile dropper.
Salt Compress
Inflammation and pain are well-known to be reduced by salt. A fantastic technique to treat an ear infection is by using a salt compress.
Microwave one cup of coarse salt for two to three minutes. Put the warm salt into a fresh, soft cloth. For about ten minutes, while you’re lying down, apply the cloth to the offending ear. Applying this every day will aid in draining fluid from the ear.
Conclusion
Many ear infections go away on their own in a week or two, and after a few days, the symptoms usually start to improve. However, using natural remedies at home is a great way to feel better during this time.
If your symptoms are getting worse and you have a fever of 102.2°F or higher, you should see a doctor.
However, ear infections with mild symptoms can be successfully treated with adequate rest, simple home remedies, and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or pain.