Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Three out of four children have had at least one episode of an ear infection by the age of three.

It commonly occurs between the ages of six months and two years. Adults will rarely get ear infections.

Frequently, ear infections involve the middle ear, a condition called otitis media. Anything that blocks the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose, can increase the risk for ear infections.

Common colds and allergies cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Accumulation of the secretions can lead to ear aches, hearing loss, ear itchiness, feeling of ear fullness and ear drainage.

Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is another type of ear infection. It involves the outer ear and the ear canal.

Patients usually have a history of exposure to water before the development of infection. It is believed that swimming or showering removes the protective earwax, making it easier for germs to thrive in the ear.

Natural Cures for Ear Infections:

Antibiotics:

To entirely get rid of ear infection - causing bacteria, physicians prescribe antibiotics.

Intake of amoxicillin, trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole and cefuroxime will result in improvement of symptoms in 48 to 72 hours.

Although the symptoms subside, you need to complete the entire drug therapy, as ordered by your doctor.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Vitamin C is an effective home remedy against ear infections. It boosts your immune system to make it more efficient in fighting off bacteria.

Bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupes, kiwifruits and kales are good sources of Vitamin C.

Zinc builds a healthier immune system; thus increasing your zinc intake is recommended. Beef, chicken, whole grains, beans, brown rice, potato and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc.

Heat:

To ease ear infections, warm and moist compresses should be applied over the ear for 10 to 15 minutes.

Heating pads and warm wash cloths may be used for heat applications.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water is an effective natural cure for ear infections.

After soaking the cotton ball into the mixture, place a few drops into the ear to kill the fungus. Allow it to set for 5 minutes, and drain.

Tea Tree Oil:

Add about three drops of tea tree oil into 5 mL of water, and soak a cotton swab in the mixture.

Put a few drops of the mixture into the ear, and let it set for 2 minutes.

Golden Seal:

Golden seal is one of the most effective home remedies for ear infections.

It has an antibacterial and immune stimulating effect.

Take 20 drops of golden seal tincture in water three to four times a day.

Yawning or Swallowing:

Yawning or swallowing can unblock the eustachian tube and ease the pain.