Natural Remedies For Ear Infection Or Otitis

If you have an ear infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor and follow its indications. In addition, if the professional authorizes it, adults can resort to certain natural remedies.

Ear infection or otitis is a disease that arises when there is a buildup of fluid with inflammation. Depending on the area of ​​the affected ear, otitis can be external, medium, medium with effusion, with acute or chronic infection.

Once you start to feel the symptoms,  it is essential to see a doctor to receive the correct treatment.

Here we are going to tell you about its causes and we will share with you some popular alternatives for relieving its symptoms. Take note !

What are the causes of otitis externa?

Swimmer’s ear infection, Dr. Nicole Holmer says,  is an infection of the external ear canal  that can be caused by:

• Moisture blocked in the ear canal.
• A lesion in the ear canal.

She also comments that “some people with skin diseases can more easily contract otitis externa” as well as swimmers, who are in constant contact with aquatic environments.

In addition, Dr. Bradley W. Kesser comments that “several types of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or  Staphylococcus aureus ,  can cause generalized otitis externa”.

In some cases, the bacteria that accompany common respiratory illnesses can reach the ear, causing inflammation and infection. Some allergies cause inflammation of the eustachian tube,  the canal that connects the middle ear and the throat.

All of the above, in addition to poor hygiene habits, can contribute to the development of otitis externa and other ear infections. It is therefore essential to maintain a good lifestyle and take care of your ears.

How do I know if I have otitis externa?

Symptoms of an ear infection can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem and other factors. However, the most common symptoms of otitis externa are:

• Itching in the ear.
• Pain when you touch your ear.
• Redness of the area.
• Clear, odorless liquid secretions.
• Discomfort when swallowing saliva, liquids or food.
• Reddening and inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal.

If the ear infection progresses, it is possible for other symptoms to appear and the previously mentioned ones to become more intense. In these cases,  it is essential to see a doctor  as soon as possible to obtain the correct treatment.

Treatment for otitis externa

Dr Holmer says drops are usually prescribed for otitis externa. In addition, during the consultation, the doctor can clean the ear canal or take a sample of secretions to find the best medicine to prescribe.

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed  to kill the microorganisms that have led to this disease. Treatment may also include antihistamines (if the problem is a type of allergy).

Home remedies for ear infection

According to popular wisdom, when a person has mild ear discomfort, there are some home remedies that can be used to relieve the symptoms. There is no proof that they work, but  some still decide to try them.

It is important to take into account that the remedies  do not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor. They can nevertheless complete it if the professional has given his consent.

Garlic oil

Since garlic is credited with antibacterial properties, some consider garlic oil to be helpful in relieving symptoms of an ear infection, such as otitis externa.

How to use it ?

It is enough to put three drops of pure garlic oil in the affected ear and keep the head tilted so that the liquid goes well inside.

Onion

Just like garlic, onion  is attributed antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is therefore considered that it can help fight bacteria that give rise to otitis externa.

How to use it ?

Cut a fresh onion, wrap it in sterile gauze and place it on the affected ear for five minutes. Repeat this treatment several times a day.

Olive oil, a grandma’s remedy for ear infection

Olive oil is one of the most widely used household ingredients to fight ear infection. In fact, it is even the most common grandmother’s remedy in this area.

How to use it?

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil until it reaches a bearable temperature and pour it into a drip. Apply 2 to 3 drops in the affected ear.

Hot water compress

The heat has an analgesic effect which helps reduce pain. It also helps improve circulation to facilitate the elimination of infection. For example, preparing a hot water compress can help relieve symptoms of an ear infection, such as otitis externa.

How to use it ?

• Fill a hot water bottle with hot water.
• Cover it with a clean, dry cloth and place it on the ear that hurts you.
• Repeat this process as soon as you feel the need to.

What if the symptoms of the ear infection get worse?

If the symptoms get worse and you see a fever or other problems,  you should go to your doctor as soon as possible  for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

The home remedies for the ear infection just mentioned should be used with caution and preferably with a doctor’s consultation to avoid possible adverse reactions.