You will know how annoying it is once you go through the ear pain. The pain will be unbearable. You may go through this pain in either one or both ears. It might be a sharp or dull pain. In most of the cases, this pain lasts for a short time, or it can stay for longer. Typically this pain disappears on its own. Comparatively ear pain is most common among children while compared with adults, ear infections is the actual reason for this ear pain in most of the cases among kids. In adults, ear pain is caused by the actual pain in some other site, like in the teeth, throat, etc. By scrolling down read further to know about the causes of ear pain and remedies for ear infections, that you can try at home for ear pain relief.
Understanding Ear Pain
While ear pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain can be intermittent or continuous, and it can be accompanied by other signs like fever, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear. There are various types of ear infections like,
Otitis Media: This is an infection of the middle ear, which will occur only when the fluid is stored behind the eardrum. It could be brought on by a viral or bacterial illness.
Otitis Externa: Also referred to as swimmer’s ear, this is the infection on the ear canal. It may be caused by storage of the water in the ear after swimming, developing a moist environment where bacteria can grow.
Otitis Interna: This infection is less common in the inner ear. It occurs when untreated middle ear infections spread.
What Are The Common Causes Of Ear Infection?
There are various causes for ear infections, and the most common causes include:
Bacterial Infections: In most cases, ear infections are caused by bacterial overgrowth in the middle ear or ear canal.
Viral Infection: Viruses, like those responsible for typical colds, can also lead to ear infections, notably in children.
Allergies: Inflammation in the ear canal can be caused by allergic reactions and results in ear infections.
Excess Moisture: Water that remains in the ear after swimming or bathing can develop a conducive environment for bacteria to grow, leading to a swimmer’s ear.
Upper Respiratory Infections: Common cold and sinus infections can cause congestion and inflammation that disturbs the Eustachian tube, resulting in middle ear infections.
Foreign Objects: Driving foreign objects into the ear can disturb the delicate ear structures and may cause infection.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Ear Infections?
Understanding the symptoms of ear infections is crucial for prompt treatment. Common ear infection symptoms include,
Ear Pain: A sharp or intense pain in the ear is often the most prominent symptom.
Hearing Loss: Some people may go through a temporary decrease in hearing.
Drainage from the Ear: While in middle ear infections, pus or fluid draining from the ear is common.
Fever: Often infections result in low-grade fever.
Irritability: Notably children may become more fussy when disturbed by an infection. They have itchy ears.
Sleep Disturbance: This pain may cause discomfort which disturbs your sleep and results in restlessness.
Balance Problems: At times you may face dizziness due to an imbalance system caused by ear infections.
Pulling Or Tugging At The Ear: We can notice this behavior among infants and young children as a response to the discomfort.
Natural Remedies For Ear Infections:
It’s always better to seek the best ENT doctors for unbearable or chronic ear infections, but mild cases may be treated with natural remedies. Further, let’s explore the top five productive home remedies to alleviate the discomfort associated with ear infections.
Warm Compress
A warm compress is an easy but effective way to treat ear pain and reduce inflammation. Here’s how to use it:
Materials Required:
- A clean cloth
- Hot or warm water
Instructions:
- Heat some water till it becomes comfortably warm, but not too hot.
- Dip a neat and clean cloth in the warm water.
- Squeeze the water out of the cloth.
- Lie down with the upward-facing ear impacted.
- Place that warm cloth over your affected ear for at least 20 minutes.
- Do this process a few times a day to overcome your ear pain and promote drainage of fluid from the ear.
This warmth of the compress may assist in enhancing blood circulation, overcoming pain, and may help for speedy recovery.
Garlic Oil Drops
We all know that garlic has antimicrobial properties, making it a powerful remedy for ear pain and itchy ears.
Materials Required:
- 3 garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- A dropper
Instructions:
- Smash 2-3 garlic cloves and add them with a few drops of olive oil to make a garlic-infused oil.
- Let this garlic-infused oil sit for over 30 minutes.
- Filter the oil to remove any dust or solid particles.
- While applying this garlic oil into the affected ear, always use a dropper.
- Place a cotton ball in your ear to stop the oil from leaking out.
- Let this oil in your ear for over 20-30 minutes.
- Do this process a few times in a day for speedy recovery.
Antimicrobial properties in garlic will assist to fight the infection and minimize the pain. Whereas, you should use this remedy carefully and should stop if you are facing any irritation.
Onion Poultice
Naturally onions have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help you to overcome your ear infections or pain.
Materials Required:
- One small onion
- A clean cloth
Instructions:
- Chop the onion into small pieces and heat them for a few minutes until they are comfortably warm.
- Cover the warm onion pieces in a clean cloth to make a poultice.
- Place the poultice against the affected ear for over 20 minutes.
- Take away the poultice and gently cleanse your ear.
- Do this process as required to alleviate pain.
The heat from the onion poultice can minimize the inflammation and offers you relief from earache.
Conclusion:
Mild ear infections can be treated with home remedies, but it’s always better to consult a doctor if the infection stays for a long time or worsens. Chronic or severe infections may need medical attention, including antibiotics or other treatments. Always prioritize your health and well-being and visit ear surgeon specialists when necessary.
On the whole ear pain can be distressing and painful, but these natural home remedies can offer relief from the discomfort and help in the healing process. But always remember to consult a doctor for prolonged or severe infections, but for mild cases, these remedies may provide much needed relief.