How can you alleviate ear pain at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for ear infections. When should you consult a doctor for ear discomfort. What are the potential complications of untreated ear infections.

Understanding Ear Pain and Infections

Ear pain can be a distressing experience, often caused by infections that may take one to two weeks to fully heal. While antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, many cases of ear infections in both children and adults can be managed with a wait-and-see approach. This article explores various natural remedies and home treatments that can provide relief from ear pain and discomfort.

What causes ear pain?

Ear pain can stem from various sources, including:

• Middle ear infections (acute otitis media)
• Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
• Sinus congestion
• Throat infections
• Changes in air pressure

Effective Natural Remedies for Ear Pain

While there may be limited scientific data supporting home remedies for ear infections, many individuals find relief through various natural approaches. Here are some methods that may help alleviate ear pain:

1. Ear “Popping” Technique

Can you relieve ear pressure at home? Yes, by using the ear “popping” technique:

1. Close your mouth
2. Hold your nostrils closed
3. Attempt to breathe out through your nose

This method can help equalize pressure in your ears, similar to the sensation experienced during altitude changes. If done correctly, you should hear or feel a small pop. It’s important to note that this technique shouldn’t cause pain. If it does, discontinue and try other methods.

2. Warm Compress Application

Applying a warm compress can help soothe ear pain and reduce congestion. Here’s how to make one:

1. Soak a washcloth in warm water
2. Squeeze out excess water
3. Fold the cloth into a rectangle
4. Hold it over the affected ear

The warmth and moisture work together to loosen congestion in your ear, providing relief. For those experiencing fever, a cool compress made with cold water can be equally effective.

3. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is particularly effective at clearing congestion, which can contribute to ear pain. Try these methods:

• Take a steamy shower or bath
• Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water (cover your head with a towel to create a tent)

The moist heat from steam can help open up congested passages and provide relief from ear discomfort.

Saltwater Gargling: A Simple Yet Effective Remedy

Is saltwater gargling beneficial for ear pain? Yes, especially when the pain is related to a sore throat. Here’s how to prepare and use a saltwater gargle:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water
2. Gargle with the solution for 30 seconds
3. Spit out the mixture (do not swallow)
4. Repeat as needed

This simple remedy can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from ear pain associated with throat irritation.

Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol Solution for Swimmer’s Ear

For those suffering from swimmer’s ear, a mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be particularly helpful. Here’s how to use this remedy:

1. Prepare a solution of equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol
2. Use a dropper to put a few drops into the ear canal
3. Allow the solution to drain out naturally

This mixture can help reduce pain and prevent future occurrences of swimmer’s ear. However, it’s crucial to ensure you don’t have a perforated eardrum or tympanostomy tube before using this method. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options

Are over-the-counter medications effective for ear pain? Yes, they can provide significant relief. Common options include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These medications can help reduce pain and fever associated with ear infections. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Allergies and Ear Pain: The Connection

Can allergies contribute to ear pain? Yes, allergies can lead to congestion, which in turn can cause ear discomfort. If you suffer from allergies, consider these steps:

• Identify and avoid allergy triggers
• Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in your environment
• Consider over-the-counter antihistamines
• Consult an allergist for personalized treatment options

By managing your allergies effectively, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of ear pain episodes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of ear pain can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Facial weakness
• High fever
• Seizures
• Bloody discharge from the ear
• Persistent pain lasting more than two days despite home remedies
• Ear pain in infants or young children

For children, recurrent ear infections require particular attention as they can lead to complications such as hearing loss and speech problems. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician or otolaryngologist are crucial in these cases.

Potential Complications of Untreated Ear Infections

Why is it important to address persistent ear pain? Untreated ear infections can lead to several complications:

• Chronic ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Speech and language development delays in children
• Spread of infection to nearby tissues
• Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear)

These potential complications underscore the importance of seeking medical attention when home remedies fail to provide relief or when symptoms persist.

The Watchful Waiting Approach

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach for mild ear infections. This strategy involves:

1. Monitoring symptoms closely
2. Using pain relief measures as needed
3. Avoiding antibiotics initially to allow the immune system to fight the infection
4. Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

This approach can be effective for many mild cases of ear infection, particularly in adults and older children. However, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve or worsen.

Benefits of the Watchful Waiting Approach

Why might doctors recommend watchful waiting? This approach offers several benefits:

• Reduces unnecessary use of antibiotics
• Helps prevent antibiotic resistance
• Allows the body’s immune system to strengthen
• Avoids potential side effects of antibiotics

However, this approach is not suitable for all cases, particularly in young children or individuals with severe symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Preventive Measures for Ear Infections

Can ear infections be prevented? While not all ear infections are preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Breastfeed infants when possible (breast milk contains antibodies that can help prevent infections)
• Keep up to date with vaccinations, particularly the pneumococcal vaccine
• Avoid swimming in polluted water
• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing

By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections and associated pain.

The Role of Diet in Ear Health

Can your diet impact ear health? While research in this area is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain dietary factors may influence ear health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish and flaxseeds, may help reduce inflammation
• Vitamin D: May help boost immune function
• Probiotics: Could potentially help prevent ear infections by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria
• Zinc: May help strengthen the immune system

While these dietary factors shouldn’t replace medical treatment, maintaining a balanced diet rich in these nutrients may support overall ear health and immune function.

Understanding Different Types of Ear Infections

Ear infections can occur in different parts of the ear, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment approaches. The three main types are:

1. Outer ear infections (otitis externa)
2. Middle ear infections (otitis media)
3. Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis)

Outer Ear Infections

What causes outer ear infections? These infections, also known as swimmer’s ear, are often caused by:

• Water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing
• Excessive cleaning of the ear canal
• Injury to the ear canal

Symptoms typically include pain, itching, and sometimes discharge from the ear. Treatment often involves antibiotic ear drops and keeping the ear dry.

Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections are the most common type, especially in children. They often occur after a cold or respiratory infection. Symptoms may include:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Difficulty hearing
• Fluid drainage from the ear

Treatment can range from watchful waiting to antibiotics, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Inner Ear Infections

Inner ear infections are less common but can be more serious. They often cause symptoms such as:

• Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Hearing loss

These infections typically require prompt medical attention and may be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or other medications depending on the cause.

The Impact of Ear Infections on Quality of Life

How do ear infections affect daily life? Ear infections can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, including:

• Sleep disturbances due to pain and discomfort
• Difficulty concentrating at work or school
• Impaired hearing, which can affect social interactions
• Mood changes due to persistent pain
• Limitations on physical activities, especially for outer ear infections

Understanding these impacts underscores the importance of prompt and effective treatment for ear infections to minimize their effect on quality of life.

Long-Term Effects of Recurrent Ear Infections

What are the potential long-term consequences of frequent ear infections? Recurrent or chronic ear infections can lead to:

• Permanent hearing loss
• Speech and language development delays in children
• Damage to the eardrum or other structures in the ear
• Increased risk of cholesteatoma (a type of skin cyst in the middle ear)
• Chronic balance problems

These potential long-term effects highlight the importance of proper management and prevention of ear infections, especially in children who are more prone to recurrent infections.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Ear Infection Management

What new developments are on the horizon for ear infection treatment? Researchers are continually exploring new approaches to manage and prevent ear infections. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of new antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Exploration of probiotics as a preventive measure
• Investigation of new vaccine formulations to prevent ear infections
• Research into the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to ear infections
• Development of novel drug delivery methods for more effective treatment

These ongoing research efforts hold promise for improving the prevention and treatment of ear infections in the future.

The Role of Telemedicine in Ear Infection Diagnosis and Treatment

How has telemedicine impacted ear infection care? The rise of telemedicine has brought new possibilities for managing ear infections:

• Remote consultations allow for initial assessment of symptoms
• Video examinations can help doctors visually inspect the ear
• Patients can receive guidance on home care and when to seek in-person treatment
• Follow-up appointments can be conducted virtually, reducing the need for office visits

While telemedicine cannot completely replace in-person examinations for ear infections, it can provide a valuable tool for initial assessment and follow-up care, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

5 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections

Ear infections aren’t just painful — they can also take one to two weeks to fully heal, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. And taking a wait-and-see-approach — meaning, without antibiotics — is recommended for many children and adults with ear infections. This is based on guidelines published in the journal Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery in February 2016. Natural remedies can also help.

“There’s no scientific data to support home remedies [for ear infections], but they may be soothing, and there could be a placebo effect,” says otolaryngologist Matthew Bush, MD, an assistant professor of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery with University of Kentucky Health Care in Lexington.

The good news about these strategies? They won’t harm you — and they might do just the trick.

• Ear “popping.” Close your mouth, hold your nostrils, and try to breathe out through your nose, recommends otolaryngologist Austin Rose, MD, director of the pediatric rhinology, allergy and sinus surgery at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. You should hear or feel a small pop, similar to the pressure change sensation you feel when changing altitude, like in a plane or on a mountain. Dr. Rose explains that the ability to pop your ears is healthy — in fact, it’s “vital for scuba divers and pilots.” It shouldn’t hurt, so if it does, try again after you’ve given other strategies a chance to work.
• A moist compress. To make a warm compress, soak a washcloth in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, fold it into a rectangle, and hold it over your ear. The warmth and moisture can help loosen congestion in your ear. You can also use cold water for a cool compress if you have a fever.
• Steam. Similar to moist heat, steam is especially effective at clearing up congestion. Try taking a steamy shower or bath or inhaling the steam from a large bowl of water. (Put a towel over your head to make a tent as you lean over the bowl.)
• Gargling with saltwater. Since ear pain can occasionally be related to a sore throat, gargling with warm saltwater could help ease your symptoms, Rose says. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends.
• Vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If you have swimmer’s ear, this mixture can help reduce the pain, Dr. Bush says. Prepare a solution of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol and use a dropper to put the liquid into your ear canal. (Just be sure you don’t have a tympanostomy tube or a hole in your eardrum and that you stop if you feel discomfort.) This mix is also useful to prevent swimmer’s ear if you use it after getting out of the pool, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Rose and Bush agree that over-the-counter pain medications can help you feel better. If you have allergies, getting away from any triggers that cause congestion, which leads to ear infections, may also provide some relief, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Though ear infections and ear pain often get better with time and care, others need more aggressive treatment. If you’ve tried all these remedies for a day or two, and you still have pain and fever, both experts agree that it’s time to call the doctor. And since ear pain can be caused by other conditions besides an ear infection, you might need your doctor’s help to determine what’s causing the ache.

“Occasionally we see serious complications with ear infections,” Rose says. He emphasizes that immediate medical care is needed if your ear pain is accompanied by facial weakness, high fever, seizure, or bloody discharge from the ear, or if the ear pain sufferer is a baby. For children, repeat ear infections also carry the risk of hearing loss and speech problems, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, so it’s important to visit a doctor if ear pain or infection recurs.

What Are Some Home Remedies for Ear Infections?

Ear infections can be painful. Sometimes they cause a persistent dull pain; other times a sharp burning feeling comes and goes. Most of the time, they’re not anything to worry about. Except that you’ll want the pain to cease.

Here is an overview of traditional approaches to treatment, plus everything you need to know about at-home remedies.

Common Relief Options

The most natural treatment is no treatment at all, or the “watchful waiting” approach. (1)

Doctors may go this route for mild cases of middle ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, in an attempt to allow the immune system to fight off the infection on its own without the help of antibiotics.

“Often we don’t need to give antibiotics,” says Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD, partner at ENT and Allergy Associates in New York City. Generally, she says ear, nose, and throat doctors will watch the infection for about three days. If the symptoms remain or worsen, then it may be time for antibiotics.

Otitis media with effusion (OME) in particular tends to go away without antibiotics or other treatments. These ear infections are the result of fluid buildup in the middle ear and usually have few symptoms. (1)

Pain Relievers for Earaches

If you or your child is experiencing an infection, you’ll likely want relief from the pain — fast.

For quick relief, your doctor may also suggest reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever, with or without the addition of antibiotics.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen could help, though you’ll always want to check with your doctor to be sure. (1)

At-Home Remedies to Treat Ear Infections

Maybe you’re not a fan of pain relievers or antibiotics and want to limit your or your child’s exposure to them.

“Overuse of antibiotics in society in general has caused this growth of bacteria that are now resistant to many types of antibiotics, so we’re trying to reel that back in [by not overly prescribing],” Dr. Chandrasekhar says.

Given that, natural, at-home options may come in handy. At least 1 in 10 people with ear pain reports having tried one or more types of alternative medicine before visiting their doctor. (2)

Keep in mind, however, that research supporting these treatments is scarce, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying a new treatment.

Here are six at-home options that may provide some relief:

• A warm compress Hold a washcloth under warm water and squeeze it to release the extra water. Then, lay it over the ear that’s infected for 20 minutes or so to lessen the pain. (3) A warm water bottle held over the infected ear should also do the trick. (4) “People do the warm compresses simply to try to soothe, to try to draw out the inflammation,” Chandrasekhar says, adding that she does believe it can make people feel a little bit better.
• Warm olive oil in the ear Chandrasekhar says there’s no proof this works but says it’s okay to try as long as the olive oil isn’t piping hot and there’s no hole in the eardrum. “It may soothe or it may not soothe,” she says. “If there’s no swollen eardrum, [olive oil] may not cause any harm whatsoever. ”
• Herbal extract ear drops Drops containing allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perforatum, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil can help children suffering from a middle ear infection that requires active treatment (rather than simply waiting for the pain to diminish over time). One study found these drops to be just as effective as prescription drops. (2)
• A solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar Applying a couple of drops of this solution in the infected ear could help people suffering from repeat infections of swimmer’s ear (medically called otitis externa), which occurs when water gets stuck in the ear canal and bacteria grow. The rubbing alcohol helps the water in the ear evaporate, and the vinegar prevents bacteria from spreading. (5)
• Blow-drying the ear This method can also help people who routinely suffer from swimmer’s ear (who aren’t always swimmers — simply being out on a windy and rainy day could cause the infection). Pointing a blow-dryer on low heat near the ear can help dry up any leftover moisture in the ear after being out in the elements, pool, or shower. (5)
• The juice of an onion Several articles and YouTube videos claim that onions are the secret to curing an earache, which is advice that supposedly dates back to the 1800s. Onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. One method calls for heating an onion at 450 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then, once it is cool, cut the onion in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Put a few drops of the juice into the ear. Or, you could place the onion half directly over the infected ear. (6) Chandrasekhar says it’s “perfectly reasonable [to try it], but give yourself a time limit like, ‘Okay, if it’s still bothering me in three days I’m going to go in to see a doctor,’” she says.

Who At-Home Remedies Are Best For

Chandrasekhar warns not to try a home remedy on a child under the age of 2 because they’re at increased risk of developing complications.

“If the child is fussing when you put them down flat or trying to pull at their ear or if they’re screaming when you’re trying to feed them, I think bringing them in and listening to your doctor and giving them the antibiotics they need is really important,” she says.

Chandrasekhar is less concerned about older patients who aren’t experiencing other symptoms, like a fever or difficulty eating or drinking.

If none of these at-home options helps relieve pain within a couple of days, it may be time to call your doctor. It’s possible the infection will need antibiotics to heal and leaving it untreated for too long could lead to complications, which can be serious or rarely life-threatening.

Ear Infections | Cigna

Treatment Overview

Most ear infections go away on their own. But antibiotics are recommended for children under the age of 6 months and for children at high risk for complications.

You can treat your child at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), a warm washcloth on the ear, and rest. Your doctor may give you eardrops that can help your child’s pain.

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20.

Your doctor can give your child antibiotics, but ear infections often get better without them. Talk about this with your doctor. Whether you use antibiotics will depend on how old your child is and how bad the infection is. Your doctor may also prescribe them to keep the fluid in the ear from getting infected.

If your child has cochlear implants, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. That’s because serious complications of ear infections, including bacterial meningitis, are more common in children who have cochlear implants than in children who don’t have these implants.

Follow-up exams with a doctor are important. The doctor will check for persistent infection, fluid behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion), or repeat infections. Even if your child seems well, he or she may need a follow-up visit in about 4 weeks, especially if your child is young.

Fluid buildup and surgery

Doctors may consider surgery for children who have repeat ear infections or who keep getting fluid behind the eardrum. Procedures include inserting ear tubes or removing adenoids and, in rare cases, the tonsils.

Fluid behind the eardrum after an ear infection is normal. And, in most children, the fluid clears up within 3 months without treatment. If your child has fluid buildup without infection, you may try watchful waiting.

Have your child’s hearing tested if the fluid lasts longer than 3 months. If hearing is normal, you may choose to keep watching your child without treatment.

If a child has fluid behind the eardrum for more than 3 months and has significant hearing problems, then treatment is needed. Sometimes short-term hearing loss occurs. This is especially a concern in children ages 2 and younger. Normal hearing is very important when young children are learning to talk.

If your child is younger than 2, your doctor may not wait 3 months to start treatment. Hearing problems at this age could affect how well your child can speak. This is also why children in this age group are closely watched when they have ear infections.

Repeat ear infections

If a child has repeat ear infections (three or more ear infections in a 6-month period or four in 1 year), you may want to think about treatment to prevent future infections.

One option that has been used a lot in the past is long-term oral antibiotic treatment. There is debate within the medical community about using antibiotics on a long-term basis to prevent ear infections. Many doctors don’t want to prescribe long-term antibiotics because they aren’t sure that they really work. And when antibiotics are used too often, bacteria can become resistant to them.

Learn more

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Ear Infection Questions

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Your child was diagnosed with an ear infection
• Your child’s ears were recently looked at by a doctor
• You are worried that the fever or ear pain is not getting better fast enough
• Your child is still taking an antibiotic for the ear infection

Symptoms of Ear Infections

• The main symptom is an earache.
• Younger children will cry, act fussy or have trouble sleeping because of pain.
• About 50% of children with an ear infection will have a fever.
• Complication: In 5% to 10% of children, the eardrum will develop a small tear. This is from the pressure in the middle ear. The ear then drains cloudy fluid or pus. This small hole most often heals over in 2 or 3 days.

Cause of Ear Infections

• A bacterial infection of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum)
• Blocked eustachian tube, usually as part of a common cold. The eustachian tube joins the middle ear to the back of the throat.
• Blockage results in middle ear fluid (called viral otitis).
• If the fluid becomes infected (bacterial otitis), the fluid turns to pus. This causes the eardrum to bulge out and can cause a lot of pain.
• Ear infections peak at age 6 months to 2 years. They are a common problem until age 8.
• The onset of ear infections is often on day 3 of a cold.
• How often do kids get ear infections? 90% of children have at least 1 ear infection. Frequent ear infections occur in 20% of children. Ear infections are the most common bacterial infection of young children.

When to Call for Ear Infection Questions

Call 911 Now

• Not moving or too weak to stand
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Stiff neck (can’t touch chin to the chest)
• Walking is not steady
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Ear pain is severe and not better 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
• Crying is bad and not better 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
• Pink or red swelling behind the ear
• Crooked smile (weakness of 1 side of the face)
• New vomiting
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Taking antibiotic more than 48 hours and fever still there or comes back
• Taking antibiotic more than 3 days and ear pain not better
• Taking antibiotic more than 3 days and ear discharge still there or comes back
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Ear infection on antibiotic with no other problems
• Normal hearing loss with an ear infection
• Prevention of ear infections
• Ear tube (ventilation tube) surgery questions

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice

Treatment for an Ear Infection

1. What You Should Know About Ear Infections:
   • Ear infections are very common in young children.
   • Most ear infections are not cured after the first dose of antibiotic.
   • Often, children don’t get better the first day.
   • Most children get better slowly over 2 to 3 days.
   • Note: For mild ear infections in older children, antibiotics may not be needed. This is an option if over 2 years old and infection looks viral.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Keep Giving the Antibiotic:
   • The antibiotic will kill the bacteria that are causing the ear infection.
   • Try not to forget any of the doses.
   • Give the antibiotic until it is gone. Reason: To stop the ear infection from flaring up again.
3. Fever Medicine:
   • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Note: Fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
   • For all fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
4. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Use as needed.
5. Cold Pack for Pain:
   • Put a cold wet washcloth on the outer ear for 20 minutes. This should help the pain until the pain medicine starts to work.
   • Note: Some children prefer heat for 20 minutes.
   • Caution: Heat or cold kept on too long could cause a burn or frostbite.
6. Limits on Activity:
   • Your child can go outside and does not need to cover the ears.
   • Swimming is fine as long as there is no drainage from the ear. Also, do not swim if there is a tear in the eardrum.
   • Air Travel. Children with ear infections can travel safely by aircraft if they are taking antibiotics. For most, flying will not make their ear pain worse.
   • Give your child a dose of ibuprofen 1 hour before take-off. This will help with any pain they might have. Also, during descent (coming down for landing) have your child swallow fluids. Sucking on a pacifier may help as well. Children over age 6 can chew gum.
7. Return to School:
   • Your child can go back to school when any fever is gone.
   • Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
   • Ear infections cannot be spread to others.
8. What to Expect:
   • Once on antibiotics, your child will get better in 2 or 3 days.
   • Make sure you give your child the antibiotic as directed.
   • The fever should be gone by 2 days (48 hours).
   • The ear pain should be better by 2 days. It should be gone by 3 days (72 hours).
9. Ear Infection Discharge:
   • If pus is draining from the ear, the eardrum probably has a small tear. This can be normal with an ear infection. Discharge can also occur if your child has ear tubes.
   • The pus may be blood-tinged.
   • Most often, this heals well after the ear infection is treated.
   • Wipe the discharge away as you see it.
   • Do not plug the ear canal with cotton. (Reason: Retained pus can cause an infection of the lining of the ear canal)
10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Fever lasts more than 2 days on antibiotics
    • Ear pain becomes severe or crying becomes nonstop
    • Ear pain lasts more than 3 days on antibiotics
    • Ear discharge is not better after 3 days on antibiotics
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

Treatment for Hearing Loss with an Ear Infection

1. Brief Hearing Loss:
   • During an ear infection, fluid builds up in the middle ear space.
   • The fluid can cause a mild hearing loss for a short time.
   • It will slowly get better and go away with the antibiotic.
   • The fluid is no longer infected, but sometimes, may take weeks to go away. In 90% of children, it clears up by itself over 1 to 2 months.
   • Permanent harm to the hearing is very rare.
2. Talking With Your Child:
   • Get close to your child and get eye contact.
   • Speak in a louder voice than you usually use.
   • Decrease any background noise from radio or TV while talking with your child.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Hearing loss not better after the antibiotic is done.

Prevention of Recurrent Ear Infections

1. What You Should Know:
   • Some children have ear infections that keep coming back.
   • If this is your child’s case, here are some ways to prevent future ones.
2. Avoid Tobacco Smoke:
   • Contact with tobacco smoke can lead to ear infections.
   • It also makes them harder to treat.
   • No one should smoke around your child. This includes in your home, your car or at child care.
3. Avoid Colds:
   • Most ear infections start with a cold. During the first year of life, try to reduce contact with other sick children.
   • Try to put off using a large child care center during the first year. Instead, try using a sitter in your home. Another option might be a small home-based child care.
4. Breastfeed:
   • Breastfeed your baby during the first 6 to 12 months of life.
   • Antibodies in breast milk lower the rate of ear infections.
   • If you breastfeed, continue it.
   • If you do not, think about it with your next child.
5. Do Not Prop the Bottle:
   • During feedings, hold your baby with the head higher than the stomach.
   • Feeding while lying down flat can lead to ear infections. It causes formula to flow back into the middle ear.
   • Having babies hold their own bottle also causes milk to drain into the middle ear.
6. Get All Suggested Vaccines:
   • Vaccines protect your child from serious infections.
   • The pneumococcal and flu shots also help to prevent some ear infections.
7. Control Allergies:
   • Allergies may lead to some ear infections.
   • If your baby has a constant runny or blocked nose, suspect an allergy.
   • If your child has other allergies like eczema, ask your child’s doctor about this. The doctor can check for a milk protein or soy protein allergy.
8. Check Any Snoring:
   • Large adenoids can cause snoring or mouth breathing. Suspect this if your toddler snores every night or breathes through his mouth.
   • Large adenoids can contribute to ear infections.
   • Talk to your child’s doctor about this.

Ear Tube Surgery Questions

1. Ear Tubes:
   • Ear tubes are tiny plastic tubes that are put through the eardrum. They are placed by an ENT doctor.
   • The tubes allow fluid to drain out of the middle ear space. They also allow air to re-enter the space.
   • This lowers the risk of repeated ear infections and returns the hearing to normal.
2. Ear Tubes – When Are They Needed?
   • Fluid has been present in the middle ear nonstop for over 4 months. Both ears have fluid.
   • Also, the fluid has caused a hearing loss greater than 20 decibels.
   • Hearing should be tested first. Some children have nearly normal hearing and tubes are not needed.
   • Ear infections that do not clear up after trying many antibiotics may need tubes.
   • Prevention should be tried before turning to surgery.
   • Talk to your child’s doctor about when ear tubes are needed.
3. What to Expect:
   • In most cases, the tubes come out after about a year. They fall out of the ear on their own. This happens with the normal movement of earwax.
   • If the tubes stay in over 2 years, talk with your child’s doctor. The surgeon may need to take them out.
4. Risks of Ear Tubes:
   • After the tubes come out, they may leave scars on the eardrum. They may also leave a small hole that doesn’t heal. Both of these problems can cause a small hearing loss.
   • Because of these possible problems, there is a small risk with ear tubes. There is also a small risk when giving anesthesia to young children.
   • Therefore, doctors suggest ear tubes only for children who really need them.

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 11/01/2021

Last Revised: 10/21/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Help Your Child Cope with Ear Pain on Airplanes

I remember the days of airplane travel with an infant, and then toddler, in my arms. As a mom, I worried whether my child would tolerate the airplane trip because of ear pain or whether it would be a hard trip for other passengers. After reading a study representing that 25 to 55 percent of children experience pain in their ears when traveling on airplanes and mostly during landing, I wanted to ease the worry that parents may have. To help, I partnered with Judy Sherif, RN, CPN, BSN, MNA, a nurse in our department of Emergency Transport to provide you with on tips to consider if your child is experiencing ear pain while traveling in the air and general tips when traveling with your little ones.

Why we Experience Ear Pain on Airplanes

It’s a hard question to answer for a lot of people and I wanted to investigate why this happens to help provide tips for your child. The middle ear experiences a mini-trauma from the pressure difference between the air in the middle ear and the outside air during take-off and landing. Adults can easily open equalize the pressure by swallowing or yawning. Children have a difficult time knowing how to equalize the pressure and help themselves by swallowing or yawning.

As a parent, you can help. Judy shared valuable tips on helping your child cope with this potentially painful ear pressure, especially because young children have more problems with ear pain during airplane travel, than adults.

Why Kids Experience More Ear Pain, than Adults, on Airplanes

• Kids experience more colds and upper respiratory infections than adults.
• Kids have more tissue in the adenoids, which is in the back of their throats that can block the ears (you may have heard that adenoids are what cause some people to snore).
• Kids are unable to swallow or yawn on command, like adults.
• The tubes in the ear that help equalize this pressure are straight in kids’ ears and does not  curve  and drain downward like adults.

Symptoms of Mild Ear Pain

• A feeling of ear blockage which your child may be able to verbalize
• Pain which your child may be able to tell your or your infant may cry and tug at the ears
• Hearing loss
• Severe cases can cause perforation or a tear in the tympanic membrane, which is a thin, translucent membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It transmits sound and is also called the eardrum.

Help Manage and Prevent Ear Pain on Airplanes

• If your child has a cold or symptoms of upper respiratory infection, avoid airplane travel.
• If the child has a cold or symptoms of upper respiratory infection and you cannot cancel air travel, make sure your child has plenty of fluids to drink prior to the flight.
• When your child feels fullness in their ear when taking off or landing, give the baby a bottle and the older child juice or water to drink.
• If your child is older and can understand and cooperate, encourage them to chew on something, swallow, open the jaw or yawn at least four times during take off and landing.
• Smaller children can also be offered a small straw to blow through or a colorful pinwheel to blow.
• Wake up your sleeping child or baby during take-off and landings as the pain can be worse if they are allowed to sleep.
• Older children can be taught how to “bear down” which is forcefully pushing out air with the lips and nostrils closed. This forces the Eustachian tube to open. NOTE: This can cause too much pressure and pain so tell the older child to just push out a little and stop if it hurts.
• Carry a bulb syringe to clear out the nose if the child gets congested.
• If your child has a cold, you should consider seeing a doctor or treating symptoms several days before the air travel to prevent problems with ear pain.

You probably wonder if there are any drugs to help with ear pain. “Using medicines to help with ear pain, for children, is not recommended,” shares Judy.

The latest studies of drugs like pseudoephedrine and oral antihistamines have not been effective in children and there is no scientific proof for the use of these drugs.

General Travel Tips When Traveling with Kids

I remember giving myself time to plan and organize my diaper bag to make sure I had what I needed close-at-hand for diaper changes, “binky” and toys. Bringing a new item such as a coloring book and colors, a puzzle or a book you can read together for your older child is a good idea. A new item can liven up the travel time and help maintain their attention. Other items to consider are bottles for your baby as well as snacks and juices for your older child. In addition, don’t forget to bring a bulb syringe to help clear out your child’s nose if they are congested and something for your older child to chew on if their ears hurt. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and ask for help, from the airline employees, to get on board. Disembark the airplane last to keep yourself organized. What are some ways you prepare when traveling with your kids? Share in the comments below!

5 Natural Home Remedies For Ear Infection {no antibiotics!}

Before filling that antibiotic Rx for an ear infection, give these 5 natural home remedies for ear infection a try! Antibiotics aren’t always necessary for ear infections. Learn how to treat ear infections at home with these natural remedies for ear infections.

If I had a nickel for every time I called my baby’s pediatrician during those first two years…

I’d be one rich momma!

More often than not, that phone call was more about easing my mind than it was about anything being seriously wrong with my child.

Simply put — many parents (myself included, once upon a time) often feel more at ease with a prescription for antibiotics than they do with trusting natural remedies.

Yet, in 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their diagnosis and treatment standards for acute otitis media (AOM). These new standards offer more rigorous diagnostic criteria to prevent the overuse of antibiotics (source).

Does this mean antibiotics are never needed?

Absolutely not!

There are always going to be situations when antibiotics are the best choice to save your or your child’s life or prevent further injury to the body. Antibiotics aren’t evil, as many in the natural health community would have us think.

They are, however, over-used — especially for ailments that have been treated with natural remedies for centuries. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that antibiotics don’t always have to be the first choice to treat children’s ear infections.

As a parent, I have to listen to two things when making medical decisions, especially for my children: the facts and my instincts.

The Facts.

I have to set my emotions aside and understand the facts of whatever illness I may be dealing with.

So what are the facts?

• Ear infections are painful, often cause fevers, and if left untreated, can progress until there is a loss of hearing and possibly permanent damage to the ear.
• There are infections of all sorts that are stubborn and resist natural remedies.
• There are infections of all sorts that are stubborn and respond better to natural remedies than they do to allopathic treatment.
• Use of antibiotics disrupts gut flora and can lead to overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria (SIBO, C-Diff) or yeast (candida) or weaken the immune system.

My Instincts.

Knowing the facts, I also have Killer Momma Intuition when it comes to my kids.

I can pick out their cries in a room full of people.

I can hear their voices say “Mommy!” from across a crowded room.

Alas, I can sleep through anything, but will wake immediately if I hear one of their bedroom doors crack open in the middle of the night. If I slam on my brakes while driving, I instinctively move my arm toward them to block them from danger.

These instincts allow me to make the best decisions for my kids, even when those decisions may not make sense to the rest of the world.

Trusting my instincts when it comes to medical care for my children means I take the facts seriously, but I don’t allow my decisions to be motivated by fear. There is a big difference between operating in fear and trusting my instincts.

5 Natural Home Remedies For Ear Infection (Treating Ear Infections Without Antibiotics!)

Armed with facts and my instincts, I have pursued natural and holistic healthcare and remedies for my family for over a decade now.

We’ve treated strep throat, tummy bugs, upper respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, and ear infections with natural home remedies such as herbs, essential oils, homeopathy, and using food as medicine.

One day, the facts and my instincts may very well tell me that it’s time to trust a medical doctor with the care of someone in my family or myself — in which case, I’ll listen to both! (Update: in 2019 I had to trust conventional medicine with my mental health and use anti-anxiety medications as well as have a surgery called pelvic vein embolization.)

Ear infections are one of the easiest maladies to treat naturally and at home, however.

If you suspect an ear infection and still feel a trip to the doctor is necessary, by all means, go! But before you fill that prescription for antibiotics for yourself or your child, give some proven, natural home remedies for ear infection a try.

Here are five natural, no-antibiotic treatments for ear infections that work:

#1 — Hydrogen Peroxide

Something as simple and cheap as good, ol’ hydrogen peroxide is how we have healed many an ear infection in our house.

This is the first remedy I reach for when I know an ear infection is present.

If you’re going to be administering h3O2 to a child, have them lie on their side in your lap with the infected ear facing up. Using a dropper, fill the ear canal with peroxide.

Pull gently on the ear lobe to help the peroxide go all the way down into the ear.

The child will probably complain that it’s cold or that it tickles. If an infection is truly present, there will be lots of white bubbly foam coming out of the ear. This is all normal.

Help the child relax by encouraging them to breath deeply or by reading a book while they lie on your lap, retaining the peroxide in the ear for five to 15 minutes.

Then have them turn over and allow the peroxide to flow out onto a towel.

Repeat this two or four times a day for several days. As the infection heals, there should be less and less bubbles coming out of the ear.

It is not uncommon for chunks of ear wax to come out of the ear canal along with the bubbles, especially after doing this for a few days, as the peroxide softens the ear wax.

Hydrogen peroxide is so effective, I almost never have to reach for another remedy for a mild ear infection.

#2 — Garlic Oil

If you wish to attack an ear infection with a full-on natural antibiotic, garlic oil is a powerful remedy.

We have used raw garlic with much success against a host of illnesses in our home, including strep throat! I can personally speak to the power of garlic to treat even the most difficult infections.

You can purchase a ready-made garlic oil that is specifically for this purpose. These are often mixed with other herbs, such as mullein or goldenseal.

Ear infections, especially in children, tend to come on suddenly. There may not be time to order a pre-made garlic oil and receive it before the infection gets worse.

In that case, it is helpful to know how to make your own — and it’s very simple!

Homemade Garlic Oil: A Natural Remedy For Ear Infections

Combine the garlic with olive oil in a small, glass dish.

Allow the garlic to “steep” in the olive oil and release its healing properties for 2 to 4 hours. This retains all the benefits of raw garlic, plus olive oil is soothing to any inflammation in the ears.

Strain the oil, then place 2 or 3 drops in the infected ear. You can do this up to 4 times per day.

Use more olive oil — 2 tablespoons — for very small children so that it is not quite as concentrated.

#3 — Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is a natural microbial antibiotic made of minute silver particles suspended in water.

Colloidal silver essentially cuts off the oxygen supply of infections, thereby making it very difficult for them to remain alive or spread.

The process of treating an ear infection with colloidal silver is very similar to hydrogen peroxide.

Rather than filling the ear canal with peroxide, however, you should only use 2 or 3 drops of colloidal silver in the infected ear. Using colloidal silver in both ears will help prevent the spread of the infection to the other ear, which often happens.

Retain the colloidal silver in the ear as long as possible — but for at least 10 to 15 minutes — before allowing it to drain out.

A couple of summers ago, our kids got swimmer’s ear several times, and colloidal silver was the only remedy that was able to knock it out. And, here’s how I remedied a stubborn case of cervicitis with colloidal silver.

#4 — Essential Oils

You should never put essential oils inside the ear canal.

However, you can use essential oils to reduce the pain of an ear infection.

For all ages, lavender oil can be applied to the back side of the ear, behind the lobe, from the soft spot all the way up the bone that runs behind the ear. Massaging the side of the neck and in front of the ear toward the cheek with soothing EOs can also be helpful.

Oils that work best for this purpose include rosemary, tea tree (melaleuca), and of course, lavender.

Please consult an aromatherapist or essential oil guide book to help you determine which oils are safe for babies, children, and pregnant or nursing mothers. Use only high quality essential oils, such as those from my preferred source, Spark Naturals.

Save 10% on any Spark Naturals order with my discount code NOURISHING10 + get free shipping on orders of $25 or more!

Oregano oil is a powerful, natural antibiotic that works on stubborn infections. Because of the burning nature of this oil, I prefer to take it internally — and as a last resort.

I do not recommend giving oregano oil (or any essential oil)  internally to children under the age of 12 without first consulting a qualified aromatherapist.

For adults, however, 1 or 2 drops of oregano essential oil can be placed in a gel capsule with a small amount of fractionated coconut oil and taken up to twice daily. Read more about the safe use of oregano oil here.

#5 — Chiropractic Adjustments

Our family are huge fans of chiropractic. In fact, when we started getting regular adjustments in 2008, our eyes were opened to the world of natural and holistic health care — and we’ve never looked back.

Wellness-focused chiropractors will not treat the ear infection. Instead, they see the ear infection as a symptom of a deeper issue: a body out of alignment.

The adjustment restores body function by reducing nervous system stress that keeps the body from functioning normally and healing.

Our bodies are made to heal themselves. With the spine in alignment, the body takes care of the rest.

Whether it’s ear infections, constipation, or PMS, often the root of the issue is found in the spine. Aligning the spine removes the interference and allows the body to heal.

How I Treat Ear Infections Naturally In My Home

The first thing I do when I suspect an ear infection is grab the hydrogen peroxide.

For the first and second days, I administer peroxide up to four times daily.

I also rub lavender oil behind the ear and down the neck to provide pain relief since we don’t have over-the-counter pain killers in our house.

If my child isn’t back to her old self by the end of the second day, I call the chiropractor and schedule an adjustment for the third day.

I still continue the peroxide 3 or 4 times a day.

By this point — three days of peroxide and an adjustment — my kids are usually over it completely. I’ll still do peroxide a couple times a day just to be safe.

If I’m on the third or fourth day of the infection and it shows no sign of improvement at all, I’ll pull out the garlic oil and colloidal silver and alternate them, while still using essential oils for pain relief. (This has only ever happened when my kids had swimmer’s ear — an infection of the outer ear, not inner ear.)

Ear infections are VERY rare in our family, but this is the protocol I’ve used each time; and neither of my kids have taken an antibiotic in over 10 years.

These 5 natural home remedies for ear infection work quickly for adults and children! I hope you’ll feel empowered to reduce antibiotic use in your home and give some of these remedies a try next time you’re faced with an ear infection!

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More Natural Home Remedies to Try…

Have you used natural home remedies for ear infection before? Do you have other natural treatments for ear infections to add to this list?

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. It is also not a replacement for proper medical care provided by a licensed practitioner. You are responsible for your healthcare.

Earache and Ear Pain | Nature’s Best

Earache or pain in the ear can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in children. According to the NHS, while earache can be worrying it’s usually caused by a minor infection, and in many cases it will clear up in a few days without any treatment (i).

In other words, you shouldn’t usually need to see your doctor if you or your child has earache. Whether the pain is sharp, dull or causes a burning sensation, whether it’s constant or comes and goes, or whether it affects one or both ears, there are several things you can do at home that can provide relief.

If you need to treat the pain, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are suitable for earache. If you’re buying pain medicine for children, make sure you get a product that’s suitable for their age group and that you know what dose you should give them and how often. Children under the age of 16 should never be given aspirin.

Over-the-counter eardrops may also be suitable – ask a pharmacist to recommend drops that may help (do not, however, use eardrops if you have a perforated eardrum – see below).

You can often also help ease the pain of earache by putting a warm cloth or flannel against the affected ear.

When to see your GP

While most cases of minor ear infections clear up by themselves, you may need medical advice in certain situations, including the following:

• If the person affected is a child younger than three months.

• If you or the person affected also feels unwell in other ways, including having a high temperature, a very sore throat or a rash, or if they’re vomiting, if they have discharge coming from the ear, if they’re confused or drowsy or if the area around the ear becomes swollen.

• If the person affected is a child younger than six months who has a temperature higher than 38ºC.

• If there’s something stuck in the ear – something that’s particularly common in children.

• If the pain is severe and over-the-counter painkillers aren’t helping.

• If the pain doesn’t improve after three days.

• If the person affected has an existing medical condition that may reduce their ability to fight off an infection.

Ear infections

There are two main types of ear infections, namely middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (otitis externa), also sometimes referred to as infections in the ear canal.

Middle ear infections

According to the NHS, anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are the most commonly affected. Plus an estimated one in every four children will have at least one middle ear infection by the time they reach their 10th birthday (ii).

Most are caused by a build-up of mucus in the middle ear during a cold or other infection, which makes the tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose (the Eustachian tube) blocked or swollen. This stops the mucus from draining away normally, which can cause an infection. Children are thought to be more at risk of this type of ear infection because their Eustachian tubes are smaller than those of adults, which means they can get blocked more easily.

Enlarged adenoids can also cause middle ear infections as they can block the Eustachian tube. Adenoid is soft tissue at the back of the throat, and children’s adenoids are relatively much larger than those of adults.

Earache is the main symptom, but a middle ear infection may also cause a high temperature, sickness and low energy. If fluid builds up inside the ear, the condition is known as glue ear. This can cause temporary hearing loss (or dull hearing) in the affected ear, and may or may not also cause earache. Glue ear usually affects children who’ve had several middle ear infections, and like the infections it often clears up on its own.

In babies, a middle ear infection may also cause irritability and restlessness, poor feeding, ear rubbing or pulling, coughing, a runny nose, diarrhoea, dulled hearing (they may not respond to quiet sounds) and balance problems.

How is it treated?

Unless the symptoms of a middle ear infection are particularly persistent or severe, they don’t usually need any treatment other than over-the-counter painkillers. If, however, the infection doesn’t clear up after a few days or is causing severe pain, you or the person affected may need antibiotics (though these aren’t routinely given to treat middle ear infections).

Outer ear infections

While middle ear infections are more likely to affect children, infections of the ear canal are more common in adults – particularly swimmers (according to the NHS, repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation(iii)).

Estimates suggest one in 10 people will have an outer ear infection at some time in their lives, most commonly between the ages of 45 – 75. Women are more likely to be affected than men too. People who have eczema or a similar skin condition in or around their outer ear are also more susceptible to outer ear infections (iii).

The symptoms of an outer ear infection include ear pain, itching, dull hearing or a feeling of the ear being blocked, as well as a discharge coming from the ear. The most common cause is a bacterial infection. But fungal infections, allergies, getting water in the ear on a regular basis and damaging the skin inside the ear – by scratching, for example – can all make an outer ear infection more likely to develop.

How is it treated?

Outer ear infections can clear up on their own, but the NHS recommends those who think they may have one to see their GP. This can mean the difference between the infection clearing up within a few days of using ear drops and putting up with the symptoms for several weeks or more if you decide not to have any treatment.

The type of ear drops your GP may prescribe may include antibiotic ear drops, steroid ear drops (to reduce swelling), antifungal ear drops (if the infection is caused by a fungal infection) or acidic ear drops that help kill bacteria. You may need one or a combination of drops, depending on what has caused the infection.

Other causes of earache

There are several other things that can cause earache, including the following:

Colds

If you have a cold or flu it could cause earache without the ear becoming infected. This is usually the result of excessive mucous collecting in the middle ear and putting pressure on the ear drum. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may help ease the pain of cold-related earache, or you could try an over-the-counter decongestant remedy (do not give decongestants to children under the age of six – those aged six to 12 years can take decongestants but only for five days maximum and with advice from a pharmacist).

Throat infections

Having a throat infection such as tonsillitis can make it painful for you to swallow, but it can also cause earache. According to the NHS, tonsillitis usually clears up after a few days – though see your GP if you don’t feel better after four days or if the symptoms are severe (iv).

Dental infections

If a tooth infection causes an abscess, the intense pain that affects the tooth or gum can sometimes spread to the nearest ear. See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you may have a dental abscess, as the pus from the abscess should be drained and the infection treated.

Ear wax

Wax is produced naturally in the ears to help protect the ear canals. Wax normally moves out of the ears on its own. But when too much wax builds up inside the ear, it can form a plug that blocks the ear canal, making your hearing dull and sometimes also causing pain. To remove built-up wax, never use cotton buds, as they can push the wax further into the ear. Instead, try over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften excess ear wax, which helps it to fall out naturally.

An alternative to over-the-counter ear drops is to put a couple of drops of warmed olive oil in the affected ear twice a day for a few days (this too helps to soften any built-up wax plugs).

Air travel

If your ears are affected when you’re travelling by plane, the condition is known as barotrauma of the ear. This happens when the air pressure in the middle ear is different to that outside the ear, and can cause dulled hearing – as if you want to make your ears ‘pop’ – and sometimes can be painful. People who are particularly susceptible to this may want to try using a decongestant nose spray while they’re flying and before the plane is due to land. Using ear plugs may also help. Changes in air pressure can also affect your ears while scuba diving.

Shingles

Caused by a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus), shingles can sometimes affect the nerve that supplies the ear, and can cause pain inside the ear or on the outer ear.

Temporomandibular joint pain

Earache can also by caused by a jaw problem called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can be a result of grinding your teeth or arthritis. According to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it’s difficult to say how many people experience TMD, as most don’t get any treatment for their symptoms. However it’s thought that women may be more effected by TMD than men (v). Other symptoms include muscle pain around the jaw, clicking noises while chewing, eating difficulties (you may find it hard to open your mouth), headache, migraine, neckache and backache. If you think you may have TMD, see your GP as you may need specialist treatment.

Perforated eardrum

Trauma or injury to the ear caused by cotton buds, sharp objects or even a punch to the ear can damage the ear canal and sometimes tear or make a hole in the eardrum. Other things that may lead to a perforated eardrum include middle ear infections, sudden loud noises and barotrauma of the ear (see above).

The main symptom of a perforated eardrum is hearing problems. If the tear or hole is very small you may only have minimal hearing loss. But larger tears can affect your hearing more seriously.

Ear pain and discomfort is another possible symptom, as is a discharge from the ear and a high temperature. Some people with a perforated eardrum also experience tinnitus noises, while others develop middle ear infections, since the eardrum is a natural barrier to germs that may invade and infect the middle ear.

The good news is a perforated eardrum isn’t usually serious and often heals on its own within six to eight weeks. It’s usually advisable to take over-the-counter painkillers to soothe any pain or discomfort. But if the problem doesn’t resolve itself you may need to see your GP, especially if there’s a chance you may develop an infection (also see your GP if a middle ear infection was the cause of your perforated eardrum).

Surgical treatment

If the tear in your eardrum is particularly big or doesn’t heal, you may need surgery – called myringoplasty – to repair it. This may help improve any hearing problems you’ve developed as a result of having a perforated eardrum, as well as reduce your risk of getting ear infections.

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep while it’s being carried out. You should be able to go home from hospital the same day or the day after, but you may need a couple of weeks off work or away from school to recover.

 

Natural relief for earache

One of the common causes of ear pain is excess mucous in the ear when you have a cold. Decongestant remedies may be helpful in such cases, but if you prefer a more natural alternative, try a steam inhalation. This can help to soften and thin the mucous, which may allow it to drain from your ears more effectively.

Try putting hot – but not boiling – water in a bowl and add several drops of eucalyptus oil, friars’ balsam or a pinch of menthol crystals. Inhale the steam for up to 15 minutes at a time, but take care not to scald yourself.

Meanwhile, taking a herbal supplement that contains echinacea may not directly affect ear pain, but there is some evidence it may shorten the duration of a cold (vi).

You may also want to make sure your immune system is being supported effectively while it’s fighting a cold or an ear infection by taking nutritional supplements such as vitamin C (take 500 – 1000mg daily) or a good-quality general multivitamin and mineral.

Although managing constant ear pain can be worrying, this guide should help to ease some of the symptoms. If you’d like to discover more information on a range of other common health conditions, our health library has a number of helpful articles.

References:

1. Available online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earache

2. org/ScholarlyArticle”>

   Available online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/middle-ear-infection-otitis-media




3. Available online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa




4. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tonsillitis/

5. Available online: https://cks.nice.org.uk/temporomandibular-disorders-tmds#!backgroundSub:1




6. Hoheisel. O, Sandberg. M, Bertram. S, et al. Echinagard treatment shortens the course of the common cold: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Res. 1997;9:261-268..

7. Draves AH, Echinacea and the Common Cold: Evidence Suggests That it Can Treat – But Not Prevent – The Common Cold. Candian Pharmacists Journal. 2005 Mar;138(2):Review Article.Available online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/171516350513800207

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Disclaimer: The information presented by Nature’s Best is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor’s care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.

Christine

Christine Morgan has been a freelance health and wellbeing journalist for almost 20 years, having written for numerous publications including the Daily Mirror, S Magazine, Top Sante, Healthy, Woman & Home, Zest, Allergy, Healthy Times and Pregnancy & Birth; she has also edited several titles such as Women’ Health, Shine’s Real Health & Beauty and All About Health.

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90,000 ▷ Eurolab Medical Center

Earache can be unbearable. It is often caused by otitis media. What else is hidden behind this, and when it is necessary to examine the ears, explains the chief physician of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University Hospital Freiburg, professor, twice MD. Roland Laszig.

Middle ear inflammation (Latin name “Otitis media”) is the most common condition in children under six years of age. Kids cannot explain what hurts, so they often grab their ears with their hands, cry, look lethargic and weak. The pains are especially worse in the evening and at night. If they last more than two days, and at the same time, there are still such side symptoms as hearing loss, fever and other signs of the disease, then in this case a mandatory medical examination is necessary.

Inflammation in the middle ear is often preceded by a cold, flu or sinusitis.Otitis media begins suddenly with throbbing pain and discomfort in the ear. The acute form of otitis media is treated within a few days and, as a rule, proceeds without complications, and small ruptures of the tympanic membrane can completely heal within one to two weeks. The main thing is that the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Young children often develop polyps, the so-called. adenoids, which can also cause recurrent acute otitis media.Professor Laszig emphasizes that an infection in the middle ear can lead to hearing impairment, therefore, medical examination and treatment of otitis media is recommended to be carried out immediately.

Treatment of acute otitis media

Rest and sleep are the main conditions for recovery. You can relieve pain and relieve fever with antipyretic and pain relievers. Antibiotic treatment is recommended mainly for babies up to six months of age. If a middle ear infection is triggered by a runny nose, nasal drops are used to make breathing easier.”Nasal drops or sprays should not be used for more than one week without consulting a doctor, as further addiction to the drug can occur,” warns Professor Laszig.

The most common home remedy is an onion compress. Essential oils of onions have antibacterial properties and accelerate metabolism. Patients should also be sure to also ensure that with otitis media, water does not enter the ears while taking a shower or bath. If the disease is caused by the presence of adenoids in the nasopharynx, they must be removed surgically.

Ear pain. What else can she tell?

The ear is a particularly sensitive organ. The thin skin covering the bones and cartilage is laced with many nerves, so ear disease is always associated with pain. Professor Laszig explains that important facial nerves pass near the ears, so colds and various chronic processes affecting the facial nerves and muscles can be reflected by severe pain in the auricle region. The doctor also explains that in case of ear pain, sometimes you have to go to different specialist doctors: a neurologist, a neurologist, and possibly a dentist or orthopedist.Ear pain can often be associated with problems of the teeth and jaws. Injuries or dysfunctions of the cervical spine can also adversely affect the auditory organs and cause pain. Sometimes symptoms such as noise, ear pain and dizziness can occur even just against the background of depression, for no physical reason.

You can send a request for treatment abroad by email: [email protected] or contact us by tel. 206 20 00.

90,000 Into a plane with a child: simple tips for parents

As a rule, the fastest way to travel with a child to the place of rest is by plane. This process, taking into account the baggage check-in, passport control, waiting, take-off and landing, long sitting in one place, is tedious for an adult as well. What can we say about small children – for them, due to their age, physical characteristics and dependence on a clear daily routine, such a trip can become a very difficult test.

Experienced travelers know a number of simple secrets that will help parents enjoy traveling with a child of any age.

Causes of children’s whims

One of the main causes of crying and nervousness on the road is the severe discomfort that babies suffer from during takeoff and landing. The fact is that in young children the vestibular apparatus is not yet sufficiently formed – up to 5 years of age, the passage connecting the nasal cavity with the ear, in scientific terms, the Eustachian tube, is not physiologically developed yet.Therefore, children in flight do not just block their ears, they can really hurt. Remember that it is especially unpleasant for both children and adults when traveling by air if they hit the road with a runny nose. Such passengers are advised to thoroughly cleanse their sinuses before take-off and landing, to have a cold remedy with them, in order to subsequently avoid the risk of otitis media.

Another serious reason for the child’s whims is the daily regimen disturbed due to the flight, when the usual hours of eating, daytime and nighttime sleep get lost.This is especially noticeable with late flights: the baby should already be asleep, but has to be awake. In this case, you can use sedatives to help the child fall asleep in an unusual environment, of course, you must first consult a pediatrician.

How to make it easier for a child to fly

You can help a little passenger to endure unpleasant moments during the flight, for example, by instilling an age-appropriate vasoconstrictor drug in his nose before takeoff and landing – there will be fewer ears to cover. Do not forget to ask your pediatrician for information on suitable drops in advance.

You can also use “folk” methods. One of the time-tested techniques is to teach a child how to properly blow through the nose and make swallowing movements in the form of an entertaining game to get rid of congestion in the ears. Both infants and those who are older are advised to give water or juice to drink in small sips. Also, an older child can be offered a lollipop or candy, or during takeoff and landing with him quietly imitate humming sounds in order to master the technique of correct breathing with pressure drops.

If the baby learns to breathe correctly during takeoff and landing, this will help both from blocked ears and from rolling attacks of nausea. By the way, experts recommend not to overfeed the child before the trip, then it will be less vomiting. Bring something sour with you – apples, hard candies or gummies – sour can also help relieve nausea.

Also, two proven tools help to avoid children’s whims on the plane: firstly, parents are advised to remain patient and calm and remember that children take an example from adults, “catch” their mood, so they easily copy adult nervousness. Secondly, you need to be able to distract the child’s attention, switch it to something positive and interesting. We advise you to take your child’s favorite toy with you (just make sure that it does not turn out to be an annoying “squeaker”, the neighbors will not thank you for it), stock up on the flight with a device for watching cartoons, a book, and games. A number of airlines prudently provide their young passengers with special creative kits, which include a felt-tip pen, paper for drawing or coloring, before takeoff.

As for children’s “equipment”, of course, it is worth stocking up on napkins – wet and dry, for babies to grab a few diapers and diapers.For an adult traveling with a child, it will not hurt to take a replacement T-shirt on the plane just in case.

Information from airlines: tickets for children, check-in and baggage

A small passenger, regardless of age, is entitled to an air ticket. In this case, two age categories of children are distinguished: up to 2 years old – infant (INF code) and from 2 to 12 years old – child (CHD code). Depending on these categories, parents receive discounts on the full ticket price.Usually, for an infant, the discount is 90% without providing a separate seat. For a child who is from 2 to 12 years old, the ticket is usually issued with a 50% discount from the full fare.

Travelers with children are advised to arrive early for check-in in order to have time to reserve the most convenient seats. If your child is very young, you will need a special carrycot during the flight. You can order it in advance from the airline or ask the flight attendants already on the plane.

Keep in mind: during takeoff and landing, as well as when entering the turbulence zone, the child must be held in your arms.As a rule, the cradle is designed for children weighing from 8 to 12 kg, check this information with the airline before the flight.

Baby food can be taken on board the aircraft without restrictions: it is not subject to the rule regarding the volume of liquids carried on board. In addition, on some flights you can order a “kids lunch”, which also includes baby food and juice.

As for the stroller, some airlines allow it not to be checked in as baggage, then it is given to the flight attendants at the entrance to the plane.Specify only where you can later get the stroller back: right at the exit from the aircraft cabin or with other luggage on the conveyor belt. If the airline forces you to check in the stroller as luggage, then, alas, you will have to wait for it to be received longer than usual luggage. Most often, a stroller that is considered non-standard baggage is issued later than other items.

Stock up on the necessary knowledge and things, then traveling on an airplane with a child will become for you, dear parents, not a test of strength, but a time full of joy and joint discoveries.

Have a good trip!

Photos courtesy pixabay.com

90,000 Easy breathing – Euromed Clinic

– What ENT diseases are most common in children?

– For childhood, there are more characteristic conditions with which we either do not meet in adults at all or are extremely rare.
A vivid example of this is the hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils, adenoids and everything connected with them: adenoiditis, recurrent otitis media and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis), prolonged runny nose and cough. Episodes of recurrent otitis media are more common in children than in adults. According to statistics, about 80% of children in the first year of life suffer from acute otitis media.
In principle, frequent respiratory illnesses in children are a sign of age. Moms worry when their child is too often sick with ARVI.However, there is nothing special or scary, in most cases, this is not. There are physiological periods of the formation of the immune system, and this process is possible only when faced with a new microflora – viral and / or bacterial agents that enter the child’s body. The answer is disease. There is no need to be afraid if the disease consists of a runny nose, sore throat, coughing and does not develop every time into bronchitis, pneumonia and other purulent processes. Today, a child who suffers from respiratory diseases up to 8 times a year is not even considered to be often sick.This is the norm.
In children, more often than in adults, there are sore throats – acute streptococcal tonsillitis (tonsillitis), which is manifested by intense pain in the throat, a characteristic bloom on the tonsils, with a temperature above 38 ° C. Childhood is even one of the criteria for making this diagnosis. This is the same sore throat, which gives complications to the heart, joints, kidneys. This condition necessarily requires the appointment of antibiotics, and not for 5-7 days, but in a course of at least 10 days.In cases of relapse, this disease becomes the cause of the development of chronic tonsillitis.
Chronic tonsillitis is an infectious disease with localization of a chronic focus of infection in the palatine tonsils with periodic exacerbations in the form of tonsillitis. It is characterized by a violation of the general reactivity of the body, a decrease in general immunity due to the intake of toxic and infectious agents from the tonsils into the body, as well as products of inflammation.

– What is not the norm? What conditions require the intervention of an ENT doctor?

– Problems that are quite typical for childhood, in which the child must be shown lore:
When the child constantly does not breathe well through the nose.
When headaches recur against the background of difficulty in nasal breathing.
When a child has otitis media, and not just once a year, but several times a year.
When a child’s hearing is impaired (and not as a result of a sulfur plug).

– Do the above symptoms usually appear with adenoids?

– Yes, including. Adenoids are the growth of the pharyngeal tonsil located in the dome of the nasopharynx. This is one of the ten structures of the Pirogov-Valdeyer lymphoid-pharyngeal ring.An overgrown or hyperplastic tonsil is called adenoids. This condition is most common in children 3–7 years old, although it can be diagnosed at an earlier and later age.
The proliferation of the pharyngeal tonsil is provoked by its active work to protect the body from infections transmitted through the respiratory tract. The more often the child suffers respiratory diseases, the more this tonsil has to work. Thus, its growth (hypertrophy) turns out to be an absolutely physiologically justified moment.

– Is it always necessary to remove adenoids?

– Indications for the removal of adenoids is the emergence of serious health problems for the child – when the overgrown lymphoid tissue becomes more harm than good. An absolute indication for the removal of adenoids: persistent difficulty in nasal breathing, accompanied by snoring during sleep, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (stopping breathing during sleep).
The lack of normal nasal breathing leads to hypoxia – a state of chronic lack of oxygen, the consequence of this may be: rapid fatigue of the child, impaired cognitive functions of the brain, delayed psychoemotional and sometimes physical development, impaired anatomical formation of the facial skeleton and occlusion, gothic palate, in some cases, even the development of enuresis is a consequence of severe hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil.
There are also relative indications for the removal of adenoids. These are recurrences of otitis media in a child, the development of hearing loss, recurrences of sinusitis, ineffective treatment of chronic adenoiditis (inflammation of an enlarged tonsil) for six months. The overgrown adenoid tissue creates a permanent obstacle to the movement of air flow, which is the reason for insufficient ventilation of the paranasal sinuses and middle ear cavities, which leads to the above problems.
You should not be afraid of surgery to remove adenoids – modern sparing endoscopic techniques, adequate anesthesia allow you to minimize the risks of intervention, to carry it out with minimal trauma for the patient, and as a result, the quality of life of your baby is significantly increased.
If the tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil does not interfere with normal nasal breathing, then the adenoids do not need to be removed. Firstly, at puberty (after 12 years), sclerosis of lymphoid tissue begins, it begins to thicken and gradually develops into fibrous tissue – this is mainly connective tissue, and secondly, the skull grows and in relation to it, the size of the lymphoid tissue is leveled, occupying less space in the nasopharynx.

– How can the appearance of adenoids be prevented?

– It is impossible to prevent the appearance of adenoids, because this concept essentially accompanies growing up, however, as already mentioned, recurrent inflammatory processes lead to the progression of adenoids.In addition to the concept of “adenoids”, there is the concept of “adenoiditis”, which describes inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil, and here there are a number of systemic and local treatment schemes that effectively control the inflammatory process. Of course, systemic treatment should be selected individually and only by the attending physician. At the same time, local treatment schemes are of great importance, the components of which should be selected taking into account the mechanisms of the development of the disease.
The first step is to remove the swelling of the nasal mucosa, which occurs as a reaction to the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx.For this purpose, age-specific concentrations of vasoconstrictor drugs are used, which are selected by the doctor depending on the age of the child and the severity of the edema. A few minutes later, upon reaching the vasoconstrictor effect, elimination therapy agents are applied, and the intensity of the stream of the agent used should be sufficient to wash off the mucopurulent discharge covering the tonsil, but at the same time, gently so that the solution does not enter the child’s auditory tube. After that, the clean lymphoid tissue of the nasopharynx is exposed to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs of local action or astringent solutions.The duration of such a course is 7-10 days. If it is necessary to continue treatment, the components of the scheme are changed.
So the main advice – do not delay contacting an ENT doctor if your baby often suffers from respiratory diseases.

– One of the most unpleasant and frightening diseases for all mothers is otitis media. What are they, how are they treated and how can they be avoided?

– Otitis is a fairly broad concept. Otitis externa is distinguished – diseases of the external auditory canal and auricle, and otitis media – inflammatory processes in the middle ear, the latter are purulent and non-purulent.
Ear pain with otitis media is not always the case, but it is necessarily accompanied by hearing loss.
Acute purulent otitis media, most often, occurs in children of the first year of life, largely due to the anatomical features of the structure of the auditory analyzer – the Eustachian tube is very short, wide, located almost horizontally, and mucus and food easily flow into it when the child regurgitates, as well as edema develops, leading to a narrowing of the lumen and, as a result, to a violation of ventilation and outflow of mucus.(the Eustachian tube connects the middle ear cavity with the nasopharynx, and through it air is supplied to the tympanic cavity), when the free access of air stops, a thermostat effect occurs, which contributes to the development of pathogenic flora and the inflammatory process.

Purulent otitis media occurs in three stages

First stage – catarrhal, preperforative stage. Symptoms: intense ear pain, fever, hearing loss.
In the second stage , a perforation (rupture) of the tympanic membrane occurs, and the pus that has accumulated in the middle ear flows into the external auditory canal.This, as a rule, immediately relieves the patient’s condition, the pain sensations decrease sharply. This stage lasts for several days.
Reparative stage. The pus is out, the inflammation is relieved, the eardrum must heal to restore its integrity.
If we were very lucky, the parents turned to the otorhinolaryngologist on time, the treatment was prescribed promptly and correctly, otitis media can be stopped at the first stage and perforation of the eardrum can be prevented. This is the ideal scenario.If the perforation does occur, it is important that it does not become resistant, so that the eardrum accurately regains its integrity. Otherwise, chronic purulent otitis media will develop. It is clear that there is nothing good in this disease, it gives a lot of complications, including persistent hearing loss, and already requires surgical restoration of the tympanic membrane.

– How is otitis media treated?

– One of the widespread myths: you need to drip drops into a sore ear. While in most cases with otitis media, first of all, it is necessary to drip into the nose!
The pathogenesis or development of acute otitis media is associated with problems with normal ventilation of the middle ear due to a violation of normal nasal breathing.As soon as we lose normal nasal breathing, edema occurs in the auditory tube, and an inflammation mechanism is triggered. That is, otitis media is always a consequence of severe nasal obstruction (difficulty in nasal breathing). By the way, sinusitis and sinusitis develop in a similar way.

We emphasize once again: just like that, purulent otitis media will not arise. It will not develop from the fact that the child is blown away, from the fact that he walked without a hat, and even the switched on air conditioner does not blow into the ear, but acts indirectly, through a sudden runny nose.
What to do with otitis media? If a child has an ear ache, the first thing any mother can do is to drip vasoconstrictor drops into her nose, observing the rules: tilting her head to the shoulder, drip into the lower half of the nose, then repeat in the other direction; give an antihistamine – because it relieves swelling; give any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) – for example, Nurofen. This is something that can be done without looking into a child’s ear. After that, you urgently make an appointment with the ENT, and the doctor prescribes treatment based on the stage of development of the disease, from the type of otitis media, etc.
The basic treatment for otitis media is the appointment of vasoconstrictor drops (in children over two years old – preferably in the form of a spray), antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs. In the absence of perforation, alcohol-based ear drops are also prescribed.
Antibiotics are not always prescribed , only if there are strict indications. These include: under two years of age, intense ear pain, hearing loss, high fever. In children over two years of age with normal immunity, anti-inflammatory and decongestant therapy is first prescribed, the effect of which is assessed within 72 hours, and only if it is ineffective, antibiotics are prescribed.In ENT pathology, antibiotics are prescribed for at least 7 days (with rare exceptions). With a shorter course, the flora on which the drug is directed is not suppressed, moreover, antibiotic resistance is developed, that is, the resistance of microflora (bacteria) to the active substance, as a result of which the effectiveness of its subsequent use decreases.
In any case, only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic and choose a treatment! The choice of drugs for use in childhood is rather limited and complicated, because they can have a lot of contraindications, for example, some drops can slow down the development of bone tissue.Therefore, do not self-medicate!

– How can a mother suspect that a baby has otitis media? Small children can’t complain, can they?

– They complain: the ear pain is very intense, comparable to a toothache. As a rule, the child clings to the ear, the temperature often rises. The pain intensifies when swallowing – especially in infants, this is very clearly manifested when feeding: the baby begins to swallow, the edematous auditory tube sticks together or breaks apart, causing pain, the child is interrupted, cries.
If a child has a prolonged runny nose, fever, he cries, holds on to his ear, sleeps badly – show his Laura right away.
Another group of otitis media is exudative otitis media. They more often occur in older children with hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil or adenoids, which provoke a persistent block of the auditory tube. With exudative otitis media, fluid accumulates in the tympanic cavity (but not pus, as with purulent otitis media). This disease is somewhat more difficult to suspect, because there is no pain, no temperature.In fact, the only thing a mother can pay attention to is hearing loss: the child asks again. Sometimes children complain that their ear is “popping” or “farts” – I’ve heard many different definitions. This is true: air bubbles burst in the liquid in the middle ear with a characteristic crackle – and kids pay attention to this.

– What is the prevention of otitis media?

– The most common causative agents of otitis media are coccal flora (pneumococci, staphylococci), hemophilus influenzae, as well as other pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria that are activated by viral or bacterial inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Part of these pathogens can be protected by vaccination. Vaccines “Prevenar 13”, “Pnevmo-23”, “Sinflorix” protect against pneumococcal infections. There are monovaccines against Haemophilus influenzae (“Act-HIB”, “Hiberiks”), it is also part of the combined vaccines (“Pentaxim”, “Infanrix Hexa”).
Unfortunately, vaccinations will not give one hundred percent protection against otitis media (because there are much more causative agents of the disease), but they will significantly reduce the risk of its occurrence, as well as the development of complications.In addition, a vaccinated child, in principle, will be less likely to get sick, which also reduces the risk of otitis media as a complication of ARVI.

– Why is it not recommended to use cotton swabs for ear hygiene?

– Cotton swabs are cosmetic and are not intended for the ears. The ear canal is a self-cleaning system. Like the skin all over our body, the skin in the ear canal is regularly renewed. The epidermis sloughs off the skin gradually (and there is a certain direction of desquamation – from the nearest end of the external auditory canal to its distant end – the transition to the eardrum) and with everything that is on its surface: gray, sebum, etc.Most adult Siberians have wide and fairly straight ear canals, and during normal washing of the head, the water that gets into the ears washes out all these masses.
In children, especially in children of the first year of life, this is more difficult, since they have an anatomically different structure of the ear canal, it is narrower, at a different angle, and, accordingly, it is cleared worse. If the mother decides to clean the child’s ear with a cotton swab, what happens? She compresses all these epidermal masses, which already accumulate in the external auditory canal.And as a result, we get sulfur-epidermal plugs. As a result, the help of an otolaryngologist is required to clear the ear. And you yourself can imagine the reaction of a child whose ear is washed or trying to remove wax mechanically.

– What can you do to cleanse your child’s ears?

– To begin with, it is important to understand that this is not dirt! Sulfur is a normal secret of the human body, a product of the work of the sulfur glands, it is necessary to protect the external auditory canal from infection and otitis externa.We have the ideal conditions in the outer ear for the growth of fungal flora: warm, dark and damp. Sulfur also contains a number of antiseptics, even has fungicidal properties – it protects against fungal and bacterial infections.
For the toilet of the ear canal – if the usual washing of the ears is not enough – you can use special means “Remo-Wax”, “A-Cerumen”) – their formula allows you to use them from birth. For the prevention of the formation of sulfur plug, these drugs are recommended to be used once a month, in the case of the formation of sulfur masses – on the recommendation of a doctor – a course of more intensive use can be prescribed.

– What are the ways to prevent ENT diseases in children?

– As we said above, vaccination against pneumococcal infection and Haemophilus influenzae contributes to a partial decrease in the incidence of morbidity.
Elimination therapy is another very important point. Elimination is the removal of particles (viruses, bacteria, allergens, toxins, etc.) that get on the mucous membrane and cause inflammation by rinsing the nasal cavity. Thus, we mechanically get rid of antigens that can provoke the development of the disease.
A small child cannot blow his nose himself; mucus accumulates in his nasal passages, which must be removed. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out hygienic procedures every day: in infants, drip the nose with saline or saline solution (sold in pharmacies) and remove the contents with an aspirator. It is also recommended to rinse the nose in this way for a child when returning from any public places – from a clinic, a store, etc. nose, so-called nasal showers, which wash away mucus and particles of viruses and bacteria.Pay attention that they have a gradation according to the intensity of the jet entering the nasal cavity. During prophylactic washing, it is not necessary to wash out especially strongly. For this, you can use nasal sprays and showers, gently cleansing the mucous membrane. With a large amount of discharge, it is worth choosing funds with a more intensive supply of fluid, up to a complete volumetric rinsing of the nasal cavity.
Another commonplace but effective way to prevent seasonal respiratory infections is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.If it is not possible to wash your hands, use wet wipes, antibacterial solutions.
If there is an ARVI outbreak in a kindergarten or school, you can use prophylactically antiviral drugs – interferon inducers.
In order for a child’s body (and an adult’s too) to have the strength to resist infection, it is important that it is not weakened by an unhealthy diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. Accordingly, we pay attention to a balanced diet, daily routine, hardening.If there are no contraindications, take multivitamin preparations in courses.

– According to statistics, with ARVI, about a third of children under three years old suffer from stenosis – laryngeal edema. What is the reason for this?

– Indeed, stenosis is very common.
Stenosing laryngitis / laryngotracheitis (or false croup – these are synonyms in pediatrics) is a violation of normal breathing due to narrowing of the larynx.
False croup or stenosis of the larynx, which develops in children against the background of ARVI, occurs because babies have a very loose mucous membrane in the lining of the larynx, and the submucosa swells very easily.With a viral infection, edema of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract develops, and in case of edema in the larynx, the free space in its lumen sharply narrows, the passage of air is disrupted, it becomes difficult, the inhalation becomes noisy, the so-called inspiratory (difficulty breathing) shortness of breath develops. In children under 3-4 years of age, the features of the anatomical structure are such that they create the prerequisites for the easy development of stenosis of the larynx, therefore, this condition occurs more often at this age.An additional risk is created by the child’s predisposition to the development of allergic reactions. In this case, the incidence of laryngeal stenosis is higher.
Stenosis can be classified according to its rate of occurrence: fulminant, acute, subacute, and chronic.
Fulminant stenosis, as a rule, occurs with allergies or due to a foreign body.
With false croup, most often, acute stenosis occurs. You can remove its manifestations with decongestants. You can’t confuse the sound of stenosis with anything – any mother will hear it: difficulty in breathing, a hoarse, wheezing sound.As soon as you find that the child has difficulty breathing, you need to give the child an antihistamine (relieve swelling) and inhale with a nebulizer with hormonal drugs and a hot foot bath (provided there is no high temperature). If the child is choking and inhalation does not help, urgently call an ambulance! The doctor will inject a hormone, if this does not help, then stenosis is an indication for hospitalization. The child is placed in a hospital, in intensive care, oxygen is supplied, treatment with hormones, antihistamines, and, if necessary, antibiotics is prescribed, achieving a gradual decrease in edema in all parts of the upper respiratory tract.
After an episode of stenosis for the first time, the child is recommended to be examined for possible allergies – to pass allergy tests in order to exclude or confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, in young children, allergy tests can be false negative. If stenosis is recurrent and continues in a child over three years old, it is imperative to repeat the examination.

– What can trigger nosebleeds and how can it be stopped?

– Bleeding from the nose can result from trauma, structural features of the nasal cavity, the close location of blood vessels to the surface of the mucous membrane, blood diseases, increased dryness and thinning of the mucous membrane, the formation of rough crusts on it (which is often due to central heating), when removing which is easily injured by the mucous membrane.
There are quite harmless in their intensity nosebleeds, but alarming in their frequency. They are often hereditary in nature. Here, I always advise you to get tested. Yes, it is possible that the structure of the nasal cavity, the close location of the vessels to the surface of the mucous membrane, was simply inherited from the parents to the child. But, for example, a violation of the blood coagulation system (thrombocytopathy, thrombocytopenia, etc.) can also be inherited. This must always be dealt with.

How to stop nosebleeds?

The stopping rules are very simple. First and foremost: never throw your head back, keep your head straight, slightly tilting downward. Take cotton wool, apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or any vasoconstrictor drug that is at home on it. This cotton wool is inserted in the vestibule of the nasal cavity from the side where the bleeding is, and is pressed against the septum by the wing of the nose.
This will help if the bleeding is not intense. If the bleeding is intense – the blood rolls not only out of the nose, but also into the throat – call an ambulance, with a high degree of probability you will not be able to cope with it yourself and hospitalization will be required.
Sudden, spontaneous, intense nosebleeds in boys 7-11 years old can be symptoms of such an unpleasant disease as juvenile or juvenile angiofibroma of the skull base. This is a benign neoplasm, very rich in blood vessels. This tumor is very aggressive in nature, so it is very important to identify it as early as possible. So, if a boy suffers from recurrent intense nosebleeds against the background of normal health, I recommend urgently contacting an ENT.

AURIFEN ear drops, 7 g

Medical supplies

AURIFEN is indicated for the temporary relief of ear pain for up to 3 days.

AURIFEN has a supporting effect in the following cases:

– inflammatory conditions with characteristic edema, pain and itching of the external auditory canal;
– Pain disorders caused by regular exposure to water and moisture, such as swimming in a pool;
– disorders caused by pain from prolonged use of headphones or from earwax that blocks the external auditory canal;
– Pain disorders caused by frequent use of detergents such as shampoos, soaps, shower gels, which destroy the natural protective membrane of the outer ear canal.
AURIFEN can be used in children from 6 months of age.

AURIFEN ear drops, 7 g

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 2 drops in each ear up to three times a day.If after 3 days there is no improvement or you feel worse, contact your doctor.

Children from 6 months: 2 drops in each ear up to three times a day. Use only under adult supervision or medical supervision. If after 3 days there is no improvement or the condition worsens, contact your doctor.

When used on children, the ear should be protected with cotton wool.

0.5% lidokaīna hidrohlorīda šķīdums glicerīnā (bezūdens).

90,000 Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: symptoms and treatment

What is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction means that the joint connecting the upper and lower jaw is not functioning properly. This joint is one of the most difficult joints in the human body, it is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw forward, backward and from side to side. Any disease that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bones from working properly is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction.Often with TMJ dysfunction there is a feeling that the jaw clicks, clicks, or even momentarily “wedges”. It is often impossible to determine the exact cause of this disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction disorders have many signs and symptoms. It is often difficult to pinpoint the presence of TMJ dysfunction because one or more of its symptoms may be a manifestation of another disorder. Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis by reviewing your medical and dental records, conducting a clinical examination, and taking the necessary X-rays.

The most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include the following:

• Headache (often resembling migraine), ear pain, and pain and pressure behind the eyes.
• A clicking or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth.
• Pain when yawning, opening your mouth wide, or chewing
• If the jaws “jam”, they do not open or “pop out”
• Weakness of the muscles of the jaw
• Suddenly the upper and lower jaws begin to close differently

How is TMJ dysfunction treated?
Although there is no single treatment for TMJ dysfunction, there are different treatments that can significantly reduce your symptoms.Your dentist may be able to recommend one or more of the following methods.

• Try to relieve muscle spasm and pain by applying hot compresses or medications such as muscle relaxants, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Reduce adverse squeezing and grinding effects by wearing a device sometimes called a bite block or splint.Tailored to fit your mouth, this machine covers your upper teeth and prevents them from rubbing against your lower teeth.
• Learn relaxation techniques to control jaw muscle tension. Your dentist may advise you to go to a training or consultation to learn how to deal with stress.

If the jaw joints are out of order and other treatments do not help, jaw joint surgery may be recommended.

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