Many people associate ear infections with childhood, but they can affect people of all ages…and for a variety of reasons. They can be incredibly painful, but fortunately, there are natural ways to find relief and soothe the pain.
Causes of Ear Infections
Ear infections are caused by bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear, and they’re painful because fluid builds up here and causes the ear to become inflamed. They can be brought on by the following conditions:
- Cold and flu
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Smoking tobacco
Who Gets Ear Infections?
Although anyone can get an ear infection, certain people are more prone to them. If you have recently experienced a drastic change in climate or altitude, you could be more susceptible to an ear infection. People who have recently been sick with a cold or the flu are more likely to get one, and air pollution and seasonal changes play roles as well.
Do You Have an Ear Infection?
If you have never experienced an ear infection, you might not be sure what to do when your ear begins to hurt. The most common symptom of an ear infection is pain and discomfort inside the ear. You may also feel persistent pressure inside the ear, have drainage, or run a fever. Serious cases of infection may also result in temporary hearing loss.
Natural Treatments for Ear Pain
Here are some natural home remedies to consider for your ear pain and discomfort.
Seagate Earache Remedy
It’s a great idea to keep a bottle of Seagate Earache Remedy in the medicine cabinet during cold and flu season. Using six homeopathic ingredients, this remedy can provide temporary relief of ear irritations and inflammation. The active ingredients here are Verbascum, Plantago major, Kali mur, Chamomilla, Belladonna and Aconitum napellus in a base of Olive Leaf Extract, and Grapefruit Seed Extract
Salt
One of the most common home remedies for ear pain is salt. You can heat a cup of salt, place it on a cloth, and tie a knot on the open end. Lie down onto the cloth when it has cooled enough to be comfortable for about 10 minutes. This method is used to draw fluid out from the affected ear and reduce swelling.
Garlic
Because garlic has soothing natural properties, some people use garlic to soothe sore ears. To make the salt remedy referenced above even more effective, boil a couple cloves of garlic in water and crush them into the salt before lying down on the cloth.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil can also help relieve ear pain because of its health-boosting properties. You can warm up a small bit of olive oil and put a few drops into the ear. Oil can help wax soften, and a cotton swab can help remove wax build-up.
Medical Treatment for Ear Pain
Medical professionals diagnose ear infections by using an otoscope to see the inside of the ear. They are often diagnosed by the sight of redness, fluid, or pus bubbles inside the ear.
If at-home treatments aren’t working, consult a medical professional for advice. Serious cases may not go away quickly with over-the-counter medicines or home remedies, so doctors sometimes recommend antibiotics or even surgery.
Don’t delay seeking treatment if your conditions persist. Although most ear infections don’t lead to long-term problems, rare cases can lead to impaired hearing, eardrum tears, or the spread of infection.