Ear infections are the common medical problems that almost everyone catches at one time in their life. These can occur at any age; however, children are mainly affected since they have a weak immune system for fighting the bacteria, viruses, and other microbes causing ear infections.
These can be cured by different treatments as suggested by the doctors, but why should we go through therapy if we have an option of curing and preventing these infections by using home remedies? In today’s article, we shall enlighten how to treat ear infections at home? But before specifically discussing these, let us know what ear infections are?
Ear Infections
Our ear contains a cavity behind the eardrum. This cavity includes different processes such as Ossicles, thus directing the sound waves to the brain.
The infections of the ear which usually arise due to the fluid buildup in the cavity just behind the eardrum in which the bacteria, viruses, and microbes grow and cause pain is known as ear infections or Otitis Media.
Typical Symptoms of ear infections include:
- Ear Pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Loss of Balance
- Fever
- Irritability
- Poor Sleep
- Trouble Hearing
- Drainage from Ears
The Risk Factors for ear infections to occur are:
- Allergies
- Colds
- Family History
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Family History
Treatment Of Ear Infections
While most ear infections usually clear up on their own within 2 to 3 days, therefore healthcare providers hesitate generally to prescribe antibiotics at the first course of treatment unless the infection gets severe or there are other mitigating circumstances.
This has led to many home remedies used widely by people around the globe, which are proven effective in curing these infections.
Home Remedies to Cure Ear Infections
You can use these home remedies since they are believed to be effective against ear infections in most cases.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ear infections can be painful, which can be even hard to tolerate. Therefore, using over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be helpful to relieve the pain resulting from ear infections and the fever resulting from earache.
Typical pain relievers given to most adults and children are enlisted below:
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin (avoided in children due to risk of Reye Syndrome)
- Naproxen
The choice of pain relievers, dosage, and frequency of dosing depends upon multi factors such as age, gender, and severity of pain. You can follow the instructions provided to you on the package. However, if children under two catch ear infections, it is better to call your doctor before using any medications.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) can be used in ear drops and other over-the-counter medications to remove the wax buildup or Swimmer’s Ear.
You can use Hydrogen Peroxide for your ear infections by following the steps:
- Fill and apply about half an ear dropper full of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into your ear canal.
- Let the solution bubble.
- Allow it to seep properly by turning your head to the side and pulling back on the top of the ear.
- Use a hairdryer or drying drops to remove any moisture left behind in the ear.
This will help clean your ears from bacteria and stop earwax buildup. This method could potentially help prevent ear infections but does not cure middle ear infections since the solution does not react to that part of your ear.
Garlic
Garlic is an exciting area of study due to its health benefits. Fresh garlic contains a defense molecule known as Allicin, which is a promising result as antimicrobial.
Some studies result that garlic can help stop and cure ear infections and common colds. However, more research should have been done to reach the results.
Conclusion
Our ear is a necessary organ enabling us to communicate with the people around us. We cannot ignore any problem associated with the ear since it can disturb and interfere with most of our everyday activities. Therefore, before practically applying any home remedy, it is crucial to take the advice of a specialist to avoid any side effects or complications. To cure and diagnose problems related to your ear, nose, or throat, you can consult anENT Specialists. We have the best available ENT Specialists available on MARHAM.PK for your advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- Are remedies harmful to ear infections?
Since there is no scientific evidence to use most home remedies to cure ear infections, these can be harmful and have other different side effects.
2- Can I use a heat compress for my ear infections?
Heat compress brought about by commercial heating pads or homemade heating pads is good for ear infections, and these can relieve pain by bringing more blood flow to the area. However, these may not cure ear infections. But the precautions should be taken to avoid any burns.
3- Do I required to go to a doctor for an ear infection?
Most ear infections are treated on their own after a few days. However, if the situation is not resolving and even becoming worse and painful, you may have to see a doctor who would prescribe you antibiotics and other medications.
4- Can you go deaf from an ear infection?
Ear infections may sometimes cause temporary hearing loss, and this is due to fluid buildup and inflammation in the area behind your ear.
Mian Abdul Wahab
