Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis of Ear Infection or Earache
An ear infection or earache is a common condition affecting people of all ages, especially children. It generally refers to inflammation or infection within the ear, most commonly in the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear canal (otitis externa). Middle ear infections often occur following a cold or upper respiratory infection that causes fluid to build up behind the eardrum, allowing bacteria or viruses to grow. Outer ear infections are typically caused by water trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment for bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
Symptoms may include ear pain, fullness or pressure in the ear, fluid drainage, hearing difficulty, fever, irritability (especially in children), and balance problems. In severe or recurrent cases, the eardrum may rupture, leading to temporary hearing loss or complications like chronic infection or mastoiditis.
Otitis media is particularly common in young children due to their shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes. Earaches can also be caused by non-infectious issues, such as earwax buildup, jaw tension, allergies, or barometric pressure changes (e.g., during flights).
When to see a doctor:
Seek medical attention if the ear pain is severe, lasts more than 1–2 days, is accompanied by high fever, hearing loss, fluid discharge, or occurs in a very young child. Chronic or recurrent ear infections should also be evaluated to prevent complications.
Natural remedies for Ear Infection or Earache
Warm Compress: Applying a warm cloth or heating pad over the ear can relieve pain and improve circulation.
Garlic Oil Drops: Traditionally used for its natural antimicrobial properties (only if the eardrum is not perforated).
Olive Oil Drops: May help soothe irritation in cases of outer ear dryness or itching.
Elevate Head During Rest: Helps drainage from the middle ear and relieves pressure.
Steam Inhalation or Humidifiers: Helps open nasal passages and improve drainage from the Eustachian tubes.
Salt Sock Compress: Heated salt in a clean sock applied to the ear may help draw out fluid and ease pain.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Ear Infection or Earache
Abuta
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Alchornea
alpinia galangal
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
anise
asafoetida
Asteraceae
balsam
Barleria
Bergenia
betel
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Bombax
borneol
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
calamus
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Celosia
Centipeda
chamomile
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
Coptis chinensis
costus
devil\'s club
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
ferula assafoetida
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fleabane
forsythia
garlic
garlic bulb
gastrodia
geranium
ginger
Gnaphalium
golden eardrops
goldenseal
goldthread
Guava
Hedychium spicatum
Helicteres isora
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian tinospora
indigo leaves
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
Lebbek
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Marjoram
Marking Nut Tree
Matapalo Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Morinda
Mullein
mustard seed
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Neem tree
Nimbidin
nut grass
onion
oregano
papaya
Patrinia
paw paw
Pentatropis capensis
Petiveria
Physalis angulata
Plantago
plantain
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
Plumbago zeylanica
poppy
Portulaca
Pulsatilla
Rhus coriaria
rosemary
rue
schizonepeta
Sensitive Plant
Sicklepod
Solanum indicum
Spanish Needle
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stereospermum
Storax
Streptococcus salivarius
sweet flag
sweetgums
Tamarind
thyme
Thymus
Tulbaghia
Vervain
Winter Savory
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yerba buena
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Zingiberene
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