Home Remedies for Ear Infection

Ear infections are rather common, particularly during winter when temperatures drop. It is typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi getting trapped within the inner, middle, or outer ear. Ear infections are commonly observed in children, but they can also occur in adults. By the age of three, more than 60% of children will have had at least one ear infection, with more than 25% having had three or more infections.

Colds, flu, allergies, and even smoking can all raise your chance of developing ear pain. The good news is that ear infections usually go away on their own and may only require treatment in certain cases. This is why most individuals choose home remedies to get quick relief for ear infection at home. But do they actually work? Well, here's what you should know.

How to Detect Ear Infection?

Young children and newborns might not be able to explain these symptoms, but adults and older kids can. As a result, detecting ear infections in young children requires careful attention to symptoms. Common signs of ear infections in adults are:

• Minor pain or discomfort inside the ear
• A constant feeling of pressure within your ear
• Pus-like drainage from the ear 
• Hearing loss

These symptoms may be persistent or periodic. Symptoms may appear in one or both of the ears. A double ear infection, or infection in both ears, usually causes more pain. However, chronic ear infection symptoms tend to be less obvious than those associated with acute ear infections.

Detecting Ear Infection in Children

Young children and babies may exhibit symptoms similar to adults, including ear pain and drainage, as well as rubbing or pulling on their ears and fever. The other symptoms in kids may include: 

• Not reacting to specific sounds
• Frequently Losing balance
• Headache
• Fussiness or restlessness
• Loss of appetite

Ear infections usually last less than three days, although they may persist as long as a week.

Children under the age of six months with a fever or other indications of an ear infection should consult a doctor. Seek medical assistance if your child has a fever over 102°F (39°C) or significant ear pain.

Effective Home Remedies for Ear Infection 

Home remedies for ear infections may not cure the infection, but they can provide temporary pain relief and assist you in managing other symptoms so that your body can heal itself. The following could be useful for self-treatment.

Also Read: Signs & Symptoms of ear infection

Over-the-Counter Medication

OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are known to be safe remedies for earache in adults and kids. These drugs may help in reducing the mild pain and swelling that come with earaches and the fever that occasionally after an ear infection.

Adults may attempt the following:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve)

Acetaminophen may be given to infants beyond the age of two months if approved by their healthcare professional. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both alternatives for children aged 6 months and up. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Earwax can obstruct the ear canal, causing pain and contributing to the onset of an ear infection. Using hydrogen peroxide is among the best home treatments for ear pain that may help in the removal of painful earwax.

To apply hydrogen peroxide, combine a small amount of a 3% solution with an equivalent amount of room-temperature water. Place two drops into each ear. You can do this twice every day for the duration of five days. You can then gently cleanse the ear with an empty syringe to remove any loose wax.

If you have perforated eardrums or ear tubes, avoid using hydrogen peroxide drops. 

Cold Compress

Cold compresses can be purchased commercially or created at home, either by freezing a wet towel or putting ice cubes in a sealable bag with a moist towel covering.

Apply the compress to the afflicted ear for ten to fifteen minutes at a time for optimal effects. Some people find it beneficial to alternating cold and warm compresses. Cold compresses, like other home remedies, cannot heal an ear infection, but they may numb the area and relieve inflammation. 

Salt Water Gargling

Gargling with salt water is very beneficial for ear pain caused by the common cold, which is sometimes accompanied by a sore throat. Gargling salt water, on the other hand, has benefits in addition to relieving sore throats and earache. This technique can promote healing, reduce oral infections, and improve tooth and gum health.

The saltwater gargle needs to have enough salt in it to work. Stir 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) of table salt into 1 cup warm water until dissolved. Take a mouthful of the solution and place it at the back of the mouth. Gargle the fluid for 10-15 seconds before spitting. Repeat for the remaining solution. 

Neck Exercise

Neck rotations may help reduce ear canal pressure caused by a variety of diseases, including ear infections.

One exercise consists of sitting up straight with both feet flat. Rotate your neck first to one shoulder, then to the other. You can also count to five while lifting your shoulders as high as you can. Repeat throughout the day.

Other effective home remedies for ear infection treatment without antibiotics are as follows:

Stay Hydrated 

If you have an ear infection, drinking more water or other fluids can help you feel better quickly. In addition to water, healthy beverage options include milk or milk substitutes, effervescent or flavored waters, simple coffee or tea, or 100% vegetable juice.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is frequently used as a home treatment for removing earwax and treating ear infections. Olive oil was traditionally believed to moisturize the ear's surface and dissolve impacted (jammed) wax in the ear canal.

Ginger 

Ginger is a root that is frequently used as a spice. It is thought to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying oil infused with ginger or ginger juice to the outer ear is said to reduce inflammation and pain. However, there is no evidence that it works.

Garlic

According to some research, garlic supplements can help reduce the onset and/or length of colds, which are a prevalent cause of ear infections. However, these are small studies, and additional research is required.

Bottom line,

Ear infection is one of the most frequent causes of medical visits. Natural remedies for ear infection, such as over-the-counter medicines and a cold compress, might help control symptoms while your ears heal. If the discomfort lasts more than a few days, visit your doctor.

Before beginning any treatment for yourself or your kid, always consult with the healthcare professional at Apollo Spectra, and never put anything in your or your child's ear without the supervision of our skilled doctors or experts.