There are several causes of earache, and although everyone has suffered from it, children suffer from it more often than adults. An earache usually occurs after a cold or sore throat, and often after blowing your nose. The reason this happens is because fluids accumulate in eustachian tubes. The fluid becomes infected and collects at the back of the eardrum and presses on the ear, causing discomfort. If you are experiencing ear pain, pressure, and / or drainage, you should request a visit with your doctor.
In case you have one ear infection, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to help your body clear the infection. But you can usually reinforce drug treatments with natural products and techniques. So, keep reading this oneHOWTO article in which we are going to reveal you how to treat earache using home remedies.
Causes of earache
There are different causes of earache that could affect you and cause discomfort. Of all those that exist, we detail the most common:
Inflammation of the Eustachian tube
The Eustachian tube is the tube that is located between the middle ear and the back of the throat, and through which the air enters the ear and also through which the fluid exits to the outside. For this reason, when the Eustachian tube is obstructed, the process of entering air and exiting the liquid becomes difficult, which produces an increase in pressure in the ear and ends up causing pain.
Inflammation of the middle ear or external auditory canal
The inflammation of the external ear canal is what is known as external otitis. It is an infection caused by bacteria or fungi, which can manifest itself due to factors such as small wounds in the ears, inadequate hygiene or excessive water entry when bathing, especially in public places in the summer season.
On the other hand, inflammation of the middle ear, named as otitis media, is much more frequent in children, producing an infection that spreads from the mucosa of the nose to the middle ear. It can be the consequence of a cold.
Ear obstruction
Outer ear obstruction, either by an object or by excess earwax, puts pressure on the inner ear and causes pain. Earwax protects the ear against infection, but its accumulation can block the external auditory canal and also cause ear pain, a feeling of plugging, noise in the ear, and even hearing loss.
Injuries to the eardrum
This type of injury produces earaches that can be more or less intense depending on the severity of the situation. For example, when it comes to a rupture or perforation of the eardrum, a surgical intervention will be necessary to correct the injury and return to a normal state of hearing.
Home remedies to treat earache will be effective depending on the cause of the problem. In the case of injuries to the eardrum or obstructions, it is necessary to go to a specialist, while the inflammation of the Eustachian tubes or otitis can be alleviated with some homemade solutions. Yes the earache persists for more than 3 days or it is too intense, it is recommended consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Heat to relieve earache
A good way to treat earaches and improve this condition is by applying heat to the area. Heat reduces inflammation and noticeably improves the condition. For this you can use a heating pad or hot compress, place it on the sore ear and let it act for 20 minutes, if it gets warm, heat again to guarantee an adequate effect.
It is important not to apply the hot compress directly on the skin, to avoid burns, place a cloth first.
Garlic juice to fight infection
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, helping to control and fight infections effectively. To take advantage of its power and use it as a home remedy for earache, you must squeeze a clove of garlic and pour the liquid into the affected ear. You can add a couple of drops of warm olive oil to better lubricate the area, do it 3 times a day.
This remedy is ideal to relieve infections that affect this area.
Olive oil to lubricate and improve symptoms
To treat earache with home remedies you can put a few drops of olive oil in the sore ear, as it acts as a lubricant and can help eliminate the symptoms of dryness or itching typical of ear infection. Heat the oil in a bowl by placing it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.
Make sure to test the temperature of the oil before using it on your ear, it should be warm. Later apply a couple of drops in the ear using a dropper, use just enough oil to cover the inner lining of the ear. Do this 3 times a day.
Chewing gum to relieve pressure and pain
Chewing gum, or even eating and swallowing, will help ventilate the Eustachian tube and allow for drainage. This can relieve pressure and pain caused by infection in the inner earThat is why it is recommended to chew gum for at least 10 minutes 3 times a day.
In addition, when resting, it is recommended sleep slightly built-in and avoid lying down. An upright posture can help relieve pressure from the ear and reduce discomfort.
Onion compress
Like garlic, onion has a important antibiotic power so it can facilitate the relief of infections and discomfort. To use it, we must cut an onion in half, heat it a little using the microwave or hot water, wrap it with a handkerchief and place it as a compress in the affected ear for 5 minutes. Do it 3 times a day and you will notice the relief.
Tips for treating earache
In addition to going to the doctor, following the instructions and the treatment that he has indicated and taking advantage of the benefits of these home remedies to relieve pain in the ears, we offer you some tips to help you recover sooner:
- If you smoke or drink regularly, at least while the problem in your ear lasts, do not do it. This will relieve pain and discomfort.
- If hot water compresses or bottles do not relieve you, or even make your condition worse, try cold water. Depending on the exact condition that is suffered, one temperature or another is better.
- Avoid getting water in your ears, use special plugs if you are going to shower or go to the pool. If you get water, it will hurt more and you may even get otitis.
- Clean your ears more often with special products for this.
- See your doctor again if you feel worse or new symptoms appear.
- If the problem is caused by an infection in other areas near the ears, such as the mouth or nose, you should treat the origin of said infection to alleviate the discomfort. In addition, if you have a lot of nasal mucus, you should eliminate the maximum of it with physiological saline and other suitable products, thus preventing the problem from spreading to the already sore ear.
- Never try to scratch your ear from the outside with any kind of long object or with your fingers, you could damage your eardrums. It is best to clean thoroughly and gesture with your mouth or chew something to relieve itching and pain.
If you want to discover more good health advice, you can download our APP Home Remedies, full of recommendations and solutions to problems in a natural way.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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