Any type of illness or disease causes huge discomfort to the human body. Whether it be to the outer body or the inner organs of our human body; the distress caused not only hampers our ability to perform at an optimal level but may also cause severe damage if left untreated.
One of such illnesses is the ear infection, which is an annoying condition. It's true that ear infections are less common in grown children and adults, but they can still happen. Though it tends to go on their own, not requiring medication, it might come in helpful to know some remedies that can relieve some pain during the ear infection.
Let’s have a look at what is an ear infection, what causes ear infections, symptoms of an ear infection and some remedies that can be done at home.
Ear infections happen when either of the external, internal of the middle ear are inflamed. They may also happen if the ear infection happened due to humid conditions. Ear trouble also happens while flying or driving at high altitudes.
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There are many causes of ear infections and ear pain. The most common of these are allergies, cold and sinus problems, lymph tissue (in upper throat area), excess mucus or saliva (in infants), living in cold climates, changes in altitude or climate. Some other but rare causes of ear pain are swimmers ear, bullous myringitis, sunburn, dermatitis, and trauma.
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Ear infection can always be treated only if is identified in the first place. Identifying any infection is the first step in starting the adequate treatment.
If the infection is in the inner ear, a person may experience dizziness. A person may find themselves dizzy either sitting or standing up. A person may also feel nauseous at all times and open their eyes is not possible for them, due to nausea. Dizziness and nausea may result in vomiting.
If the infection is in the middle ear, it is called otitis media and it usually comes with fever and trouble in hearing. Outer ear infection is identified with pain and tenderness in the ear. The infection may also cause the ear to become red and some swelling may also be seen.
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Heated salt may be used to draw out toxins from the ear that may relieve it from ear pain. However, the salt must not be applied directly anywhere near the ear after heating it. In order to use salt to relieve ear infection, heat one cup of salt over low heat for several minutes.
Now either uses a cloth and place the heated salt on it and folds it, using a rubber band to seal the open end. Or you may use a sock to fill it with heated salt and tied the opened end. Now place the cloth/sock over the infected ear for 5-10 minutes. You may need to repeat the process several times as needed. The salt, when heated, will draw out the fluid from the ear and relief it of pain.
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Garlic is full on antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is highly effective in helping to relieve the pain during ear infections. In order to do so, take two cloves of garlic and cook it in 2 tablespoons of sesame or mustard oil. Strain the solution. Now put 2-3 drops of the solution in the ear until the pain goes away.
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Basil has amazing pain relieving and infection-fighting abilities. In order to use it to relief ear infection distress, make a solution out of basil leaves, by crushing it along with coconut oil and straining the said solution. Now soak a cotton ball in the solution and in a gentle way, wipe the inside of the ear and along the outer edge of the ear. Repeat the process until the pain is relieved.
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Apple Cider vinegar is one of the best multipurpose ingredients that are used in relieving the ear infection pain. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water/alcohol. Now soak a cotton ball in the solution. Now just put the cotton ball over your ear and leave it there for 5 minutes. Now remove the cotton ball and lay on the opposite side to let the fluid drain out of the infected ear.
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Applying heat to the infected ear gives immense relief and may also help in curing the said infection. This can be achieved by using a hot water bottle. Fill a rubber water bottle with warm water and press it on the infected ear. Keep in mind, that the heat should be applied for minimum possible time. Apply the heat for 5 minutes, remove it and repeat the process until the pain goes away.
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Olive oil is a wonderful ingredient to take care of the ear wax so as to stop the infection in the ear. Warm some olive oil and put some drops of the oil in the affected ear. This will soften the wax in the ear and then remove the wax by using cotton-tipped swabs gently.
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Onions are full of many anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties, therefore making it a perfect remedy to fight ear infection. Chop up a small onion and heat it for few minutes. Now strain out the onion juice using a cloth and put 2-3 drops of the juice in the affected ear. Leave the juice in the ear for a few minutes and then tilt the head to let the juice flow out of the year. Repeat the process and relief will be imminent.
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Tea tree oil like olive oil is very good for fighting infections thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of colloidal silver and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Now warm the mixture. Now fill a dropper and let the mixture fill the ear and let it sit for few minutes. Turn your head and let the mixture drain out of the ear. Repeat 2-3 times for 2 days.
Though it may sound a bit odd, mango leaf juice is excellent in curing ear infections. Crush 2-3 leaves to extract the juice. Now warm the mixture and use a dropper to put 3-4 drops in the ear to get relief from annoying pain.
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If warmth provides relief for an ear infection, so does cold. Soak a cloth in cold water, remove excess water by wringing it and put it over the infected ear. You can alternate between cold and hot water for more effect.
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When you have ear infection getting a proper sleep is a big problem. In order to get some sleep, try sleeping sitting upright. Sleeping in an upright position helps relieve pressure on the middle ear and cure some pain. If you insist on lying down, prop up your head using a stack of pillows or sleep in a recliner chair.
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If the ear pain is from high altitudes like traveling in an airplane or driving at high places; you should chew gum in order to relieve some pressure. This will help with your ear pain and give some ease to you.
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