Ear Infection: Causes, What are The Symptoms and 12 Home Remedies

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.

What are ear infections?

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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What are some common causes of ear infections?

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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How to identify that one has an ear infection?

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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1Remedy 1: Using salt

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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2Remedy 2: Garlic comes to the rescue

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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