Friday, March 29, 2024

At Home Ear Infection Care

Must read

When To See An Ent Specialist For An Ear Infection

Ear infection home remedies (plus treatments)

Make an appointment with an ENT specialist. As mentioned, a minor infection of an ear piercing can be treated at home successfully. However, if the following symptoms below develop, be sure to get medical assistance. A fever develops. Beyond the piercing site, the infection, or redness and inflammation, spreads. If within 2 days the infection doesnt improve with home treatment. The earring is immovable. The earring clasp is embedded in your skin.Remember, with proper care and cleaning, you can reduce the risk of ear piercing infections. In the event you experience an extreme case of infection, for assistance.

You Might Also Enjoy

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Ear Infection For Babies

Who Should Make An Otoscopy

The most common causes of otoscopy are ear pain and impaired hearing. Ear aches are usually due to middle ear infection, but may also be due to inflammation of the ear canal.

Children get much more frequent middle ear infection than adults, while ear infections affect both adults and children. In children, fluid in the middle ear is a common cause of hearing impairment.

Ear cushions are another common cause of hearing loss in both children and adults.

Recommended Reading: Can Mirena Cause Recurrent Yeast Infections

Seeking Professional Treatment For Ear Infection

Unfortunately, most ear infections dont heal on their own. If youre suffering from a fever, severe pain, or if your symptoms have lasted for more than 24 hours, you should seek professional treatment before the infection gets worse. A is a great place to receive same-day treatment with no appointment.

Youll be diagnosed through a physical evaluation and a description of your symptoms. If the infection if not going away on its own, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. You can continue taking over the counter pain relievers until the antibiotics offer some relief. Remember, even if you feel better before the prescription is finished, dont stop taking them! This common mistake gives an infection the perfect opportunity to flare up again.

Get familiar with the urgent care centers and walk-in clinics in your area. Most have flexible hours with no appointment necessary, so theres no reason to delay treatment for your ear infection any longer!

Recommended Reading: Different Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

How To Get Rid Of Ear Infection

While some cases require medical attention, most ear infections clear on their own. Rest and some home remedies will usually do the trick.

1. Holding a Warm Piece of Cloth over the Ear

Applying a warm compress relieves pain. You can do this in the following ways:

  • Dip a piece of cloth in warm water, drain and hold it over the affected ear.
  • Microwave a clean sock filled with either rice or beans for about 25 seconds and hold it on the ear.
  • Alternatively, do the same with one cup of salt. Heat some salt and put it in a bean bag. Place it on the infected ear while lying down making sure that the temperature is not too high to make you uncomfortable. The heated salt will draw out any fluid from the infected ear and subsequently reduce pain and swelling.
  • Do this for 10-15 minutes every day until the pain subsides.

2. Garlic

Garlic is an effective natural remedy for ear infection. It has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. You can use garlic in any of the following ways:

  • Start by eating one or two cloves of fresh garlic every day to boost immunity and fight the infection.
  • Crush a few cloves of boiled cloves add some salt before placing them in a clean piece of cloth and putting it on the affected ear.
  • Fry some cloves of garlic in mustard oil until they are dark. Strain and leave to cool before putting a few drops into the affected ear using a dropper.

3. Olive Oil

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

You may substitute white vinegar for ACV if thats what you have.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tested Home Remedies For Ear Infections In Adults

19_178_home

1. Salt Compress

Salt can be one of the easily available home remedies for the ear infections. Just heat a cup of salt on pan/double boiler or microwave. Then take out the salt on a cloth and tie from top.When some heat is released, place the salt filled cloth over the affected ear for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every day. Salt can be replaced with rice.

2. Heating Pad

Heat pad not only relieves pain quickly but also prevents micro-organism infestation. You need to use heating pad or warm water bottle to press against ear. Remember to apply heat for short periods. Start with 5 mins, and then remove. Apply few minutes later again.

3. Make the Best of Garlic

Naturally, garlic has the ability to relieve pain, especially earache. It can be used in different ways. You can prepare garlic oil by frying 2 cloves garlic in oil until blackish, strain and use as ear drops when slightly warm. Otherwise, just boil garlic in some water, crush and add salt, place in cloth piece and place over ear. The simplest way to apply garlic is to eat garlic daily.

4. Apply Basil Oil

Basil also works to relieve ear infections in adults. Minor earache and infections can be treated with basil. Extract juice of 4-5 basil leaves and apply on the ear and surroundings. Dont let it enter into the ear canal. You can also mix holy basil oil with carrier oil. Soak in cotton ball and wipe it inside the ear.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar in Cotton Ball

6. Olive Oil to Clean

7. Tea Tree Oil

You May Like: Will Allergy Medicine Help Sinus Infection

Treating Infection Due To Ear Piercing At Home

Yes, you read that right. Ear piercing can be another reason for developing an ear infection. If the infection is minor, it can be taken care of home itself. However, if the piercing has damaged the cartilage then seek medical help immediately.

Heres how you can take an ear piercing infection at home-

  • Wash the hands before touching the piercing
  • Rinse thrice a day around the piercing with a saltwater solution. You can make your own saline solution at home.
  • Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any antibiotic ointment because these can worsen the condition.
  • Do not remove the piercing as this can close up the hole and trap the infection inside.
  • Clean both sides of the earlobes and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • How To Get Headache Relief After A Piercing

    If you develop a headache after a new piercing, there are ways you can find relief. But before you begin taking any medication, you should keep a few things in mind.

    First, if youre experiencing any bleeding, dont take aspirin or any medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen , or naproxen . Aspirin acts as a blood thinner and may increase bleeding from the piercing site.

    Second, you dont want to remove the piercing. Freshly pierced skin or tissue can close up very quickly, and youll have to repeat the piercing if you still want it.

    Finally, if the headache persists, speak with your healthcare provider. A mild, temporary headache may occur with a new piercing, but anything severe or that lasts more than 48 hours should be seen by a healthcare provider.

    The best treatments for a headache that occurs after a new piercing include:

    Recommended Reading: Does A& d Ointment Help With Yeast Infection

    What Are Homeopathic Remedies For An Ear Infection

    There are many treatments for ear infections in classical homeopathy. Keep in mind that homeopathic medicine is not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration .

    Homeopathic remedies come from the belief that “like cures like.” That means that what causes disease symptoms in healthy individuals will cure the same symptoms in ill people. Most remedies are a combination of a natural substance and a synthetic compound to enhance the therapeutic benefits. You should choose the right dosage with caution, so you don’t experience severe effects.

    Homeopathic remedies include:

    Belladonna . Belladonna works best for ear pain that fluctuates. It is accompanied by a fever, flushing, and sensitivity to light. You should have a quick response to belladonna. Belladonna works by blocking some functions of your nervous system, and the plant itself is highly toxic.

    Dosages will depend on the severity of your condition. For acute cases, 30C is recommended. For severe cases, you may need 200C, 1M, or 10M.

    Wolfsbane . Wolfsbane is another commonly recommended home remedy for ear infections. It works best for ear pain that comes on quickly, and often after you’re outside in the cold and wind. This remedy works best when you also have a high fever, agitation, and a feeling of restlessness.

    The recommended dosage is 200C. You should take 10 doses orally three times a day or as directed by your doctor.

    Symptoms of wolfsbane may include:

    • Heaviness in chest

    Show Sources

    Quick Read Tender Itchy And Irritating

    Ear Infections: Best Ways to Treat at Home and Prevent that Earache
    • Ear infections occur when bacteria or fungus build up in your ear.
    • Common symptoms include pain, ear drainage, fever and muffled hearing.
    • Care for infections by keeping your ears dry, avoiding Q-tips and cleaning with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and vinegar.
    • Most infections go away on their own, but your doctor can prescribe antibiotic pills or drops if needed.

    Youre itchy, infected and over it. What started as soreness has become one massively painful problem.

    Though most common in children, ear infections can also occur in adults especially if you have smaller ear canals or youve been using Q-tips, which can compact ear wax. While some infections may go away on their own, heres what to do if pain persists.

    You May Like: Oral Steroids For Ear Infection

    Phone And Internet Posture

    Constantly looking down at your phone or jutting your chin forward while using a computer can intensify neck pain, especially in people with diagnosed neck arthritis.

    The digital culture we live in doesnt always benefit our posture, which is why using technology mindfully with armrests and back support is so important.

    In a small 2018 study about posture as a risk factor for neck pain, study participants who kept their phone at eye level and had extra neck, shoulder, and back support showed fewer signs of physical stress than those who had no chair support.

    Manual labor jobs and those that require extended hours on the computer are also hard on the neck and shoulder muscles.

    When possible, remember to take daily breaks to perform the exercises listed above.

    How Are Ear Infections Treated When Home Remedies Dont Work

    When home remedies prove to be ineffective, types of ear infections are treated differently.

    • Acute otitis externa- Also known as swimmers ear, doctors prescribe antibiotic ear drops.
    • Otitis media with effusion- This type of infection cures on its own and doesnt require antibiotics.
    • Acute otitis media- The bodys immune system is able to fight off this infection in the middle ear. Sometimes, antibiotics are also needed to treat the infection.

    Also Check: Sinus Infection Cough At Night

    Otitis Media: Which Home Remedies Help

    Children between the ages of six months and six years are particularly often affected by otitis media. The reason for this is, among other things, their short ear trumpet, which swells when there is inflammation, which means that pressure equalization and the outflow of liquids cannot take place as usual. But adults can also be affected by the spontaneously occurring disease. The use of a red light lamp and onions have proven themselves as home remedies for middle ear infections. But even a drained and cooled chamomile tea bag has an anti-inflammatory effect.

    Types Of Middle Ear Infections

    Home Remedies for Ear Infection

    Middle ear infections are called otitis media. When otitis media is accompanied by fluid in the middle ear, ear infections are referred to as serous otitis media, or otitis media with effusion.

    Middle ear infections often occur after a cold virus or upper respiratory infection. They are also more common in individuals who suffer from allergies or enlarged adenoids , which can inhibit proper functioning of the auditory tube.

    Bacteria, viruses, or fungi often enter through the auditory tube, which can then become swollen and blocked with mucus, preventing drainage and ventilation of the middle ear.

    The main symptoms of middle ear infections include:

    • Ear pain, which may be worse in the morning or cause difficulty sleeping
    • Trouble hearing

    A healthcare provider can diagnose a middle ear infection based on symptoms and an examination, which involves looking at the eardrum with an otoscope .

    Read Also: Chapter 13 Sexually Transmitted Infections And Hiv Aids

    Fluid Discharge Or Pus

    Keep an eye out for pus coming out of your ear piercing. Pus is identifiable by its thick discharge. This discharge is white, yellow, or green in colour.

    A foul smell accompanies usually the pus from an infected ear piercing. The smell is a result of the bacteria in the pus.

    Is it infected?

    Odourless, clear or lightly coloured fluid is simply lymph fluid. Its normal for this fluid to drain from a new piercing. The fluid may crust around the piercing. On its own, this is no cause for alarm.

    Recommended Reading: What Is Tinnitus And How Can It Be Prevented

    Fungal Ear Infection Treatment

    Most experts agree that the first step of medical treatment for ear fungus is to have the ear meticulously cleansed. This is usually performed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist over two to three weeks, to ensure a thorough cleaning and drying of the ear is complete before applying ear drops to treat the infection.

    The antifungal drops used to destroy the source of the infection are administered over seven to 10 days. This may be extended over several weeks depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection.

    Treatment can be a smooth process for most patients. Those with diabetes, and the elderly, must take special care as the infection is easily spread from the external ear canal to the inner ear. From here, the fungal infection may continue and affect the base of the skull on the other side of the inner ear. This would require hospitalization with specialized treatment.

    Also Check: Strongest Otc Yeast Infection Medication

    Check If It’s An Ear Infection

    The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

    • discharge running out of the ear
    • a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
    • itching and irritation in and around the ear
    • scaly skin in and around the ear

    Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:

    • rub or pull their ear
    • not react to some sounds
    • be irritable or restless
    • be off their food
    • keep losing their balance

    Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

    If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

    Differences between middle and outer ear infections

    Inner ear infection Middle ear infection Outer ear infection
    Can affect both children and adults Usually affects children Usually affects adults aged 45 to 75
    Caused by viral or bacterial infections Caused by viruses like colds and flu Caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as eczema, water or wearing earplugs
    Affects parts of the inner ear like the labyrinth and vestibular system, and can lead to labyrinthitis Affects the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose Affects the ear canal

    How Do Cotton Swabs Cause Outer Ear Infections

    5 Natural Remedies For Ear Infections

    Dr. Wang: Earwax is a natural way for your body to trap and slow the growth of bacteria that may have entered your ear. When you apply cotton swabs, you often wind up pushing earwax further into the ear canal. This impacted wax can then trap water or moisture deep in the canal, setting you up for an infection.

    Read Also: What To Do If Infected With Ransomware

    Clear Up Utis With Convenientmd Visit Any Of Our Urgent Care Locations In Nh Me And Ma Today

    Urinary tract infections can be painful, andif left untreatedpotentially dangerous. The expert team at ConvenientMD can diagnose and treat UTIs with ease, getting you back on your feet in no time. Were open seven days a week, so just stop into one of our clinics in Maine, New Hampshire or Massachusetts without ever needing an appointment.

    Also Check: Ear Drops Or Antibiotics For Ear Infection

    Whats The Difference Between The Middle Ear Infections We Get As Children Versus The Middle Ear Infections We Get As Adults

    Dr. Wang: The underlying causes are usually different. They are more frequent in children because their shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes are more likely to get blocked. Also, their adenoids are larger compared to the rest of the throat and can interfere with the opening of the Eustachian tubes. And finally, childrens immune systems are immature and colds and viruses are often passed around day care and school.

    Read Also: Can Azo Help Yeast Infection

    Give Warm Or Cold Compresses A Go

    One of the best ways of treating an ear infection at home is to give a warm or cold compress a go. Try a warm, damp washcloth or a heating pad to relieve your ear pain.

    You can use both a warm and a cold compress and for best results, be sure to alternate between both. Keep the compress on for approximately ten minutes. It is an excellent pain relief method for individuals of all ages.

    How Are Fungal Ear Infections Treated

    10+ Quick Home Remedies for Ear Infections (with Step

    There are several methods to treat otomycosis your doctor will recommend the best for you.

    Cleaning

    Effective treatment starts with cleaning the ear to remove any discharge or debris buildup. This should only ever be done by a medical professional do not try this yourself at home. You risk serious or even permanent damage to your ears. The doctor may rinse your ears or use a suction tool or syringe. The process may be uncomfortable if so, your doctor may give you some painkillers.

    Your ear is cleaned and dried. This will help inhibit the regrowth of any fungus. Avoid scratching your ear, however itchy it gets. You should avoid swimming until your fungal ear infection has cleared up.

    Ear drops

    You may be prescribed antifungal ear drops which you will need to use according to your doctors advice this may be several times a day.

    These ear drops may include:

    • 1% Clotrimazole

    Eardrops may also contain amphotericin B, econazole or miconazole

    Topical medications

    Antifungals may also be in the form of a cream or ointment that you will need to apply to your outer ear. These will treat the fungus and help relieve any hard crust that may have formed on your outer ear.

    Oral medications

    Some fungal ear infections may be resistant to ear drops and topical medications and you may have to take oral medications, such as itraconazole or voriconazole.

    Do not take oral antifungal medication if you have liver disease.

    Don’t Miss: Bv Versus Yeast Infection Symptoms

    More articles

    Popular Articles