Five Tips To Help Relieve Ear Infection Symptoms At Home
If your little one is cranky, unusually fussy and tugging at his or her ear or is feverish and having difficulty sleeping, chances are it may be due to an ear infection.
Ear infections in children often go away on their own or in some cases with antibiotic treatment. The challenge for many parents is knowing what to do, what to watch for and when to call their pediatrician.
Five out of six children experience an ear infection by the time they are 3 years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. The odds are that your child will have an ear infection before kindergarten.
What causes an ear infection?
Ear infections can be caused by either bacteria or a virus, often following a cold. The common cold can cause the middle ear to become inflamed and fluid to build up behind the eardrum. The Eustachian tube, which connects the ears, nose and throat, can also become swollen.
Children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults because they have shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes, and it is easier for germs to reach the middle ear and for fluid to get trapped there, says Kara Hutton, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. Babies and children also have weaker immune systems, so it is more difficult for their bodies to fight an infection.
The onset of ear infections is often on day three of a cold. Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years, and are a common problem until age 8, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Can Ear Infections Be Prevented
Currently, the best way to prevent ear infections is to reduce the risk factors associated with them. Here are some things you might want to do to lower your childs risk for ear infections.
- Vaccinate your child against the flu. Make sure your child gets the influenza, or flu, vaccine every year.
- It is recommended that you vaccinate your child with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine . The PCV13 protects against more types of infection-causing bacteria than the previous vaccine, the PCV7. If your child already has begun PCV7 vaccination, consult your physician about how to transition to PCV13. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children under age 2 be vaccinated, starting at 2 months of age. Studies have shown that vaccinated children get far fewer ear infections than children who arent vaccinated. The vaccine is strongly recommended for children in daycare.
- Wash hands frequently. Washing hands prevents the spread of germs and can help keep your child from catching a cold or the flu.
- Avoid exposing your baby to cigarette smoke. Studies have shown that babies who are around smokers have more ear infections.
- Never put your baby down for a nap, or for the night, with a bottle.
- Dont allow sick children to spend time together. As much as possible, limit your childs exposure to other children when your child or your childs playmates are sick.
Related Resources For Sinus Infections
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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Things To Take Into Consideration
As you compare and contrast your options, it is clear that sinus pressure medicines can be vastly different from each other: this is because different people react differently to certain formulations, so pharmaceutical companies have developed various options to address each persons experience effectively.
Depending on your own bodys needs, as well as your personal preferences, it may be ideal to choose one option over another. Choose the best medicine for sinus pressure by remembering these main considerations when you step into the store.
- Treatment Form. Sinus pressure is the result of an accumulation of mucus, which commonly occurs as a cause of a viral or bacterial infection. Most of the treatments you will find for sinus pressure are geared towards resolving the symptom only and dont actually address the infection that initially caused the problem. Regardless, these products are highly effective at providing temporary relief of sinus congestion discomfort.
Most commonly, sinus pressure remedies come in three forms:
- Pills. Ideal for people on the go, capsules, and tablets are the slowest acting remedy. Despite this, however, they offer the longest-lasting results. Some pills target more than just sinus congestion, making them an effective remedy for holistic relief. Whats more, pills are also a convenient option for people on the go as theyre fairly easy to take.
Do Ear Candles Help Ear Infections
No, ear candles should never be used especially for ear infections. Ear candling is claimed to suction out earwax by lighting a hollow candle inside the ear canal. Ear candling has not been proven to work for any ear condition. They can lead to serious injuries, such as puncturing your eardrum or burning your head.
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Sleep Without Putting Pressure On The Ear
Some sleep positions will aggravate pain from ear infections, while some can help relieve it. Sleep with the affected ear raised instead of having it faced down toward the pillow. This can help the ear drain better if necessary.
You can also sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows. This can also help the ears drain faster.
Natrulo Natural Ear Drops For Ear Infection Treatment
Ear infections afflict 4.8-6% of the global population at some point in their lives. Left untreated, progression to inflammation and deafness can occur among men, women, children, or pets. With Natrulo Natural Ear Drops in your medicine cabinet, you wont ever have to worry about an infection getting to that point. The herbal formula is safe for children, adults, and pets. It also has a premium formula that can soothe swimmers ear naturally. It can treat and ease pain related to ear infections and loosen earwax for easy cleaning.
Natrulo Natural contains garlic, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and German chamomile with a natural antibiotic property. It is safe to administer as the drip bottle prevents too much from coming out at one time. Finally, its naturally sourced ingredients are 100% safe, as it does not contain GMOs, parabens, phthalates, or petroleum, to name a few. Use 2-3 drops for children and 4-5 drops for adults every six hours to induce natural healing.
What We Like
- Safe for pets, adults, and kids
- Naturally sourced in the USA
- Non prescription product
Highlights
Natrulo Natural is a naturally sourced antibiotic that can treat ear infections, loosen wax, and soothe ear pain. The ingredients are effective and safe for adults, children, and pets.
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Home Remedies For Sinus Headache
Nicky LaMarco is a health writer for Verywell Fit. Sheâs also written for Health Digest, Livestrong, and Insider. Nicky earned her first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a diploma in medical billing and coding. Sheâs passionate about health, fitness, and medicine.
Sinus headaches are often a symptom of a sinus infection. Sinus headaches often feel like pain or pressure around the head and face. These headaches generally last only while experiencing the sinus infection, then go away.
Sinus headaches are often confused for migraines, making them difficult to diagnose. Knowing whether you have sinus headaches or migraines is essential because the treatments are different.
What Causes An Ear Infection
An ear infection usually is caused by bacteria and often begins after a child has a sore throat, cold, or other upper respiratory infection. If the upper respiratory infection is bacterial, these same bacteria may spread to the middle ear if the upper respiratory infection is caused by a virus, such as a cold, bacteria may be drawn to the microbe-friendly environment and move into the middle ear as a secondary infection. Because of the infection, fluid builds up behind the eardrum.
The ear has three major parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear, also called the pinna, includes everything we see on the outsidethe curved flap of the ear leading down to the earlobebut it also includes the ear canal, which begins at the opening to the ear and extends to the eardrum. The eardrum is a membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
The middle earwhich is where ear infections occuris located between the eardrum and the inner ear. Within the middle ear are three tiny bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The bones of the middle ear are surrounded by air.
The inner ear contains the labyrinth, which help us keep our balance. The cochlea, a part of the labyrinth, is a snail-shaped organ that converts sound vibrations from the middle ear into electrical signals. The auditory nerve carries these signals from the cochlea to the brain.
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Common Ear Pain Symptoms In Babies And Children
If your baby or toddler has a painful ear infection, he or she may have a hard time eating or sleeping. Other signs your baby may have an earache or ear infection include:
- Rubbing or tugging at ears
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Pain, tenderness, swelling or pressure inside ears
- Crying more than usual
How Do You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Fast
You can treat a sinus infection at home or with OTC medications for symptom relief, and/or a prescription antibiotic medication, in the case of a bacterial infection. Stay hydrated, use a humidifier, and sleep at an incline to help resolve your sinus infection quickly. Consult your healthcare provider to see if you need an antibiotic.
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What Are Common Side Effects Of Ear Infection Medicine
All medications can cause side effects that vary in type and severity. Remember that every patient is different and may experience different side effects for their specific treatment. All patients should consult their primary healthcare provider before starting medication for treating otitis as well as if any side effects persist or worsen. The following is not a complete list. Common side effects of ear infection medicine can include:
- Nausea
- Rash
Try Alcohol And Vinegar Eardrops
Alcohol can help evaporate the water in your ear. It also works to eliminate the growth of bacteria, which can help prevent infection. If the trapped water occurs due to earwax buildup, the vinegar may help remove it.
Dont use this method if you have any of these conditions:
If you have middle ear congestion, depending on the cause, OTC decongestant or antihistamine therapy may help. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Here are some other remedies to try.
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Is It Safe To Use
While olive oil is generally safe, there are a few precautions you should take when using it in your ears.
Dont use olive oil or any other product in the ear if you have a ruptured ear drum. If youre not sure if you have a ruptured ear drum, see your doctor before using any remedy in your ear, including natural remedies.
Dont place cotton swabs or any other object inside the ear to remove wax or relieve itching. This can easily damage your ear drum or push wax deeper into your ear. Putting cotton swabs in your ear also increases your risk of developing an ear infection. Its also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room with ear injuries each year.
Finally, make sure to use only room-temperature or just slightly warmed olive oil to avoid burning the delicate skin in your ear.
Otc Medicine For Sinus Congestion
When your sinuses become inflamed and congested, this means that the tiny, air-filled spaces that are connected to your nasal cavity have been blocked or are unable to drain normally. This buildup of mucus then causes a feeling of pressure or âfullnessâ in your forehead, eyes, or jaw. Luckily, OTC medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate pain caused by the pressure buildup.
Here are the most common types of OTC medication for sinus congestion:
1. Decongestant: Nasal decongestants are available in tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays and work by reducing blood flow to the sinuses, ultimately reducing nasal swelling and inflammation. Popular nasal decongestants include:
- Phenylephrine with brand names Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex, and Pretz-D.
- Pseudoephedrine with brand names Sudafed, Dimetapp Decongestant, and 12 Hour Cold Maximum Strength.
2. Pain reliever: There are two main categories of pain relievers:
3. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can be used to treat stomach problems and the common cold among other ailments. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which your immune system releases to protect against foreign invasions. Histamines cause symptoms like inflammation, congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing. So antihistamines are designed to alleviate those symptoms. Popular antihistamines include cetirizine and fexofenadine .
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Earache & Ear Infections
What is Acute Otitis Media?
Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, generally caused by bacteria. In acute otitis media , pus and infected fluid accumulate in the middle ear space.
The tympanic membrane appears inflamed, reddened, and often protrudes outward. Usually, an ear infection begins after the eustachian tube has become swollen, congested, and closed, most commonly resulting from an ongoing viral respiratory infection.
Acute otitis media should not be confused with: 1) external otitis -a painful bacterial infection of the superficial skin of the ear canal, or 2) otitis media with effusion -an accumulation of non-inflamed fluid behind the eardrum.
Pain and Acute Otitis Media:When the air-containing chamber behind the eardrum fills with fluid or pus during an earache, pressure builds up against the eardrum causing pain, sometimes severe. Not all ear pain is an ear infection. Pain can be a sign of congestion which normally builds up when a child has a cold. Parents wonder if they need to rush to the emergency room when this pain situation occurs at night. The important immediate treatment is pain relief. A weight-based dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen , sleeping upright, and a warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear usually helps within 30-45 minutes.
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Herbs For Kids Willow/garlic Ear Oil
Herbs for Kids oil is a non-prescription ear oil for children that comes in a long lasting, 1 ounce bottle. The unscented formula is safe for kids of all ages. It also has fast acting, natural extracts of garlic cloves, willow bark, calendula flower, and usnea lichen, which promote ear health in many ways. First, if your child has persistent ear pain, this is one of the best remedies. The natural extracts activate the natural defense of the body to kill bacteria and soothe pain with prolonged use. Second, if your child has earwax, Herbs for Kids can soften and ultimately remove old or excessive wax without risking the health of your child.
Herbs for Kids oil comes in a dark brown bottle, which maintains the efficiency of its natural ingredients for longer. If you store it in a cool and dark place, the product will stay fresher, saving you money in the end.
What We Like
- Safe for most children
Highlights
Herbs for Kids oil has a fast acting, organic formula, rich in vitamin E and natural extracts of calendula flower, garlic, and willow bark. It soothes pain and clears wax, and has a long shelf life, which users like.
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How Can I Tell If My Child Has An Ear Infection
Most ear infections happen to children before theyve learned how to talk. If your child isnt old enough to say My ear hurts, here are a few things to look for:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- Fussiness and crying
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Clumsiness or problems with balance
- Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds
How Can I Prevent Future Ear Infections
Ear infections generally come after another illness caused by viruses or bacteria. Anything you can do to keep from getting sick or boost your immune system, should also help reduce your chance of ear infections. Here are ways to keep yourself and your family healthy:
Ear infection? Were ready to help.
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What Causes Acute Otitis Media
The eustachian tube is the tube that runs from the middle of the ear to the back of the throat. An AOM occurs when your childs eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked and traps fluid in the middle ear. The trapped fluid can become infected. In young children, the eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal than it is in older children and adults. This makes it more likely to become infected.
The eustachian tube can become swollen or blocked for several reasons:
- allergies
The risk factors for AOM include:
- being between 6 and 36 months old
- using a pacifier
- being bottle fed instead of breastfed
- drinking while laying down
- being exposed to cigarette smoke
- being exposed to high levels of air pollution
- experiencing changes in altitude
- being in a cold climate
- having had a recent cold, flu, sinus, or ear infection
Genetics also plays a role in increasing your childs risk of AOM.
Your childs doctor may use one or more of the following methods to diagnose AOM: