As a child I always got ear infections. They were very painful, but I didn’t mind taking the antibiotics – bubblegum and grape flavors. As I got older, luckily the ear infections decreased.
Ear infections can be incapacitating; however, they don’t generally warrant anti-infection agents like antibiotics. Prescribing antibiotics for ear infections have seemed to change over the past five years. Your kids probably won’t be given anything for ear infections anymore.
Not all ear diseases are bacterial or need over-the-counter prescriptions. Truth be told, you could track down all the relief you need in for some home remedies, for example:
- over-the-counter pain relivers
- steamed glass
- olive oil
- ginger
- garlic
- hydrogen peroxide
The following are 11 home cures and over-the-counter medicines for ear infections.
1. OTC Pain Relievers
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) proposes over-the-counter (OTC) pain relivers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to control pain related with most ear infections called acute otitis media (AOM).
They’re safe to use with or without antibiotics, however make certain to adhere to dosing directions on the package. These prescriptions can likewise assist with bringing down a fever.
Speak with your pediatrician about the suitable dosage for youngsters. Kids and baby type are available for many OTC pain relievers. It’s hazardous for kids under age 16 to take aspirin.
2. Cold/Warm Packs
Individuals frequently use ice packs or warm packs, similar to a warming washcloth, to soothe ear pain. This is an easy first step to relieve ear pain. This technique is alright for both kids and grown-ups.
Place the ice pack or warm pack over the ear and switch back and forth among warm and cold every 10 minutes. In the event that you prefer one or the other cold/warm, you can utilize only one pack.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The utilization of olive oil for ear infections is a people cure. There’s no strong logical proof to demonstrate that drops of olive oil in your ear trench can alleviate ear pain. Be that as it may, placing a couple of warmed drops of olive oil in the ear is protected and could be respectably successful, as per the AAP.
It’s as yet a smart thought to talk about this strategy with your PCP first, particularly for kids. Ensure the olive oil is no hotter than your internal heat level by utilizing a thermometer. This will assist you with trying not to consume the ear drum.
4. Naturopathic Drops
Naturopathic ear drops are produced using home grown concentrates. They can be discovered on the web and in some pharmacies. An early study discovered that drops containing natural concentrates in a base of olive oil could be similarly as, or significantly more, viable as customary OTC ear drops.
5. Sleep without putting pressure on the ear
Some sleep positions will irritate pain from ear infections, while others can assist with alleviating it. Try laying down with the influenced ear raised as opposed to having it looked down toward the pillow. This can help the ear canal drain which is important.
You can likewise lay down with your head raised by utilizing additional pillows. This can help the ears canal drain quicker.
6. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with calming pain from ear infections. Apply ginger juice, strained oil that was warmed with ginger in it, around the outer ear canal. Do not put it directly into the ear.
7. Garlic
Garlic has both anti-microbial and pain mitigating properties. Soak crushed garlic for 20 minutes in warm olive or sesame oil. Strain the garlic out and apply the oil into the ear canal.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has been utilized as a natural remedy for ear aches for many years. To utilize this technique for ear pain, place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the effected ear with a cotton ball. Allow it to sit for several minutes before draining into the sink or towel. Wash your ear with clean, distilled water.
9. Steamed Mug
I learned of this trick when I was flying as a kid. Pour hot water into a coffee mug and allow to sit for a minute or 2. Dump the water out and place the mug over the effected ear. The steam can help alleviate the pain. Be careful placing the mug against your head it will be hot.
Causes of an Ear Infection
There are numerous possible reasons for an ear infection. Potential causes that are moderately normal include:
- cavities
- sinus infections
- earwax
- tonsillitis
- teeth grinding
The most common ear disease is acute otitis media (AOM), or a center ear infection.
A center ear infection is characterized by swollen and infected portions of the middle ear. The pain associated with AOM is caused by fluid becoming trapped behind the eardrum. Symptoms may include:
- fever
- pain inside the ear
- slight hearing loss
- feeling sick in general
Babies and children may be restless, cranky, and pull at their ears.
When to use a Home Remedy
The best home remedy for an earache depends on the cause. If a cavity is to blame, your earache may not improve until you see a dentist. However, if it’s an ear infection, using a natural remedy could make the illness bearable as your body fights off the infection.
Many ear infections clear up on their own in about a week or two, with symptoms starting to get better after a few days. Be sure to check with your child’s pediatrician if your child has ear pain, especially if they are under 2 years of age.
If your child is running a high fever, or if a fever lasts longer than a day, seek immediate medical care. Your doctor can provide guidance on whether you should try home remedies first or consider an antibiotic.