How can you alleviate earache pain at home. What natural remedies are most effective for ear discomfort. Which over-the-counter medications provide relief from ear pain. When should you seek medical attention for an earache.

Understanding Earaches: Causes and Symptoms

Earaches can be a source of significant discomfort, affecting both children and adults. The pain can range from mild to severe, often making it challenging to carry out daily activities or get a good night’s sleep. But what exactly causes earaches?

Common causes of earaches include:

• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Sinus infections
• Tooth infections
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Changes in air pressure (e.g., during air travel)
• Excessive earwax buildup
• Foreign objects in the ear

Symptoms accompanying earaches may include:

• Pain inside or around the ear
• Difficulty hearing
• Fever
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Feeling of fullness in the ear

Over-the-Counter Medications for Earache Relief

One of the most accessible ways to manage ear pain is through over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These can provide temporary relief while waiting for the underlying cause to resolve or for prescribed treatments to take effect.

Which OTC medications are most effective for ear pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the go-to choice for earache relief. The most commonly used options include:

• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• Aspirin (for adults only)

These medications work by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. However, it’s crucial to use them as directed and be aware of potential side effects or contraindications, especially when administering to children.

Are there any precautions when using OTC pain relievers for earaches?

Indeed, there are several important considerations:

• Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
• For children under 2 years old, consult a doctor before administering any OTC medication.
• Dosages for children are typically much lower than for adults, so always follow age-appropriate guidelines.
• If pain persists or worsens despite OTC medication use, seek medical attention.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Natural Pain Relief for Earaches

Applying heat or cold to the affected area can provide significant relief from earache pain. Both methods work by affecting blood flow and reducing inflammation, but they do so in different ways.

How does heat therapy help with ear pain?

Heat therapy can be highly effective in reducing ear pain by:

• Increasing blood flow to the area
• Relaxing tense muscles
• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation

To apply heat therapy:

1. Use an electric heating pad or a warm compress
2. Apply to the ear and surrounding area for 20 minutes
3. Ensure the temperature is warm but not uncomfortably hot
4. Never fall asleep with a heating pad, and supervise children during use

Can cold therapy be beneficial for earaches?

Cold therapy can also provide relief from ear pain by:

• Numbing the area
• Reducing inflammation
• Constricting blood vessels to decrease swelling

To use cold therapy effectively:

1. Wrap ice in a cloth or use a cold pack covered with a light towel
2. Apply to the ear and area below for 20 minutes
3. Ensure the cold is not too intense to avoid skin damage
4. Never apply ice directly to the skin, especially for children

Some individuals find alternating between heat and cold (20 minutes each) provides optimal relief. Experiment to determine which method works best for your specific situation.

Ear Drops: A Targeted Approach to Ear Pain Relief

Ear drops can be an effective way to address ear pain, particularly when the discomfort is caused by fluid buildup or excess earwax. However, it’s essential to use them correctly and understand their limitations.

How do ear drops work to alleviate ear pain?

Ear drops can help relieve ear pain in several ways:

• Reducing pressure caused by fluid accumulation
• Softening and helping to remove excess earwax
• Providing a local numbing effect (in some formulations)
• Delivering anti-inflammatory agents directly to the affected area

Are there any precautions when using ear drops?

While ear drops can be helpful, there are important considerations:

• Always read and follow the instructions carefully
• Consult a doctor before using ear drops on children
• Do not use for more than a few days without medical advice
• Avoid using ear drops if you have ear tubes or a perforated eardrum
• If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention

It’s crucial to remember that over-the-counter ear drops are not a substitute for prescription medications or antibiotics when dealing with bacterial infections. They are best used for temporary relief or in conjunction with other treatments as advised by a healthcare professional.

Massage Techniques for Ear Pain Relief

Gentle massage can be a surprisingly effective method for alleviating ear pain, especially when the discomfort radiates from the jaw or teeth, or causes tension headaches. This non-invasive technique can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and potentially aid in draining excess fluid from the ears.

Which areas should be massaged for ear pain relief?

To effectively use massage for ear pain relief, focus on the following areas:

• The area behind the ear
• The muscles of the jaw and neck
• The area in front of the ears
• The base of the skull

How should the massage be performed?

Follow these steps for an effective ear pain relief massage:

1. Start behind the ears and apply gentle pressure
2. Using a downward motion, massage down the neck
3. Continue the downward pressure, working forward to the front of the ears
4. Gently massage the jaw muscles in a circular motion
5. Apply light pressure to the area where the jaw meets the skull

This massage technique may help drain excess fluid from the ears and prevent the pain from intensifying. Remember to use gentle pressure and stop if you experience any increased discomfort.

Garlic: A Natural Remedy for Ear Infections

Garlic has been used in folk medicine for centuries due to its potential health benefits, including its ability to alleviate pain and fight infections. While it should not be considered a replacement for prescribed antibiotics, garlic may offer some relief for mild ear discomfort.

How does garlic help with ear pain?

Garlic’s potential benefits for ear pain include:

• Antimicrobial properties that may help fight infection
• Anti-inflammatory effects that could reduce swelling and pain
• Immune-boosting compounds that support overall ear health

What are some ways to use garlic for ear pain relief?

Here are a few methods to harness garlic’s potential benefits for ear pain:

1. Consume a raw garlic clove daily to potentially boost immune function
2. Create garlic oil by gently warming crushed garlic in olive oil, then straining and applying a few drops to the ear canal (ensure the oil is not too hot)
3. Mix minced garlic with a small amount of sesame oil to create a paste, then apply around (not inside) the ear

Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies, especially when dealing with ear infections or persistent pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Earaches

While many earaches can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. Recognizing these signs is crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure proper treatment.

What symptoms indicate the need for immediate medical attention?

Seek medical care promptly if you or your child experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with OTC pain relievers
• Ear pain accompanied by high fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Discharge of blood or pus from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss or significant change in hearing
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Swelling or redness behind the ear
• Stiff neck or severe headache

How long should you wait before consulting a doctor for persistent ear pain?

As a general guideline:

• For adults: If ear pain persists for more than 2-3 days without improvement
• For children: If pain lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever
• For infants under 6 months: Seek medical attention at the first sign of ear discomfort

Remember, these are general guidelines. If you’re ever in doubt about the severity of an earache or if you’re concerned about potential complications, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Preventing Earaches: Tips for Maintaining Ear Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent earaches, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall ear health. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you may be able to minimize the frequency and severity of ear pain.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent earaches?

Consider adopting these habits to promote ear health:

• Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently to reduce the spread of infections
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
• Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing to prevent water from becoming trapped
• Manage allergies effectively to reduce inflammation in the ear and nasal passages
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase the risk of ear infections
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations, particularly those that protect against illnesses that can lead to ear infections

Are there any dietary considerations for preventing earaches?

While diet alone can’t prevent all earaches, certain nutritional choices may support overall ear health:

• Consume foods rich in vitamin C to boost immune function
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, which may help reduce inflammation
• Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and prevent congestion
• Consider probiotics to support a healthy immune system
• Limit excessive sugar intake, which may suppress immune function

By combining these lifestyle and dietary practices with the home remedies discussed earlier, you can create a comprehensive approach to managing and preventing ear pain. However, always remember that persistent or severe ear pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.

Nine effective home remedies for earache

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Home remedies can help ease the pain of earaches while waiting for medical care or for medical treatments to start working. Options include pain relief medication and applying a warm compress.

Ear pain can feel unbearable, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or do anything but think about the pain. Many children find it particularly difficult to deal with an earache.

People who are experiencing severe ear pain should always speak to a doctor, especially for the first time. However, there are remedies that people can use at home to relieve less severe earaches, or as a means of reducing pain.

This article explores nine effective home remedies that may help people experiencing ear pain.

If an earache is not severe, or if a person is waiting for medical treatment to take effect, they may wish to try home remedies to relieve pain.

Here are a series of nine effective home remedies for people experiencing ear pain:

1. Over-the-counter medication

Share on PinterestAnti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve the pain and discomfort.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) can temporarily reduce the pain of an earache. People experiencing ear pain can try:

• ibuprofen
• acetaminophen
• aspirin

It is important to remember that it is not safe to give aspirin to babies and young children. This is because of the risk of a potentially life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that parents speak to a doctor before giving over-the-counter drugs to a child under 2 years old.

These drugs can cause serious side effects in babies and young children. Note also that the dosage for children is often significantly lower than the proper dosage for adults.

2. Heat

Heat from an electric heating pad or hot pack can reduce inflammation and pain in the ear.

Apply a hot pad to the ear for 20 minutes. For best results, people should touch the neck and throat with the hot pad.

The heating pad should not be unbearably hot. People should never fall asleep with a heating pad, or allow a child to use a hot pack without adult supervision.

3. Cold

A cold pack can help with the pain of an earache.

Try wrapping ice in paper towels or freezing a cold pack and then covering it with a light cloth. Hold this to the ear and the area immediately under the ear for 20 minutes.

The cold should not hurt, and parents should never apply ice directly to their children’s skin.

Some people find that heat offers greater relief than cold. For others, alternating hot and cold packs (20 minutes hot, followed by 20 minutes cold) provides the best pain relief.

4. Ear drops

Ear drops can reduce pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax.

People should read the directions carefully, and talk to a doctor before using ear drops on a child.

Ear drops are no substitute for prescription ear drops or antibiotics, so people should only use them for a few days. If symptoms return, people should see a doctor.

It is important to remember that people should not use ear drops in a child with tubes in their ears or whose eardrum has ruptured.

5. Massage

Gentle massage can help with ear pain that radiates from the jaw or teeth, or that causes a tension headache.

People can massage the tender area, as well as any surrounding muscles. For example, if the area behind the ear hurts, try massaging the muscles of the jaw and neck.

Massage may also help with the pain of an ear infection.

• Using a downward motion, apply pressure beginning just behind the ears and down the neck.
• Continuing to apply pressure downward, work forward to the front of the ears.

This type of massage may help drain excess fluid from the ears, and prevent the pain from getting worse.

6. Garlic

Share on PinterestEating a clove of garlic a day may help prevent ear infections.

Garlic has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain. Some research suggests it has antimicrobial properties that can fight infection.

People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics a doctor has recommended. Instead, consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed up relief.

To prevent ear infections, try eating a clove of garlic each day.

Garlic ear drops may also reduce pain and prevent an infection from getting worse. Cook two or three cloves in two tablespoons of mustard or sesame seed oil until brown, then strain the mix. Then, apply a drop or two to each ear.

7. Onions

Like garlic, onions can help fight infection and reduce pain. Also like garlic, onions are not a substitute for medical attention.

Heat an onion in the microwave for a minute or two. Then, strain the liquid and apply several drops to the ear. A person may want to lie down for 10 minutes, and then allow the liquid to flow out of the ear. Repeat this as needed.

8. Sucking

Sucking can help reduce pressure in the Eustachian tubes, offering some relief.

Babies who are nursing may feel better when allowed and encouraged to nurse as frequently as possible. Adults and children can suck on hard candy or cough drops.

9. Breast milk

Breast milk has antimicrobial properties. Some research suggests that a mother’s breast milk changes based on the microbes to which a baby is exposed.

This means that breast milk is most effective in babies. However, some sources suggest that breast milk may even help adults. Infants and children should continue nursing to get the most benefits from breast milk.

In nursing babies, as well as in children and adults, topical application of breast milk may also help. Even if it doesn’t, breast milk is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.

People can try dropping a few drops of breast milk in each ear, and repeat the application every few hours as needed.

Share on PinterestAn earache can be mild but an ear infection can cause debilitating pain.

Ear infections are the most common cause of ear pain. When the ear becomes infected, inflammation and buildup of pressure cause pain that can be intense.

People with ear infections often have other symptoms, such as sinus pressure or a sore throat because infections from nearby areas may affect the ear. An ear infection can also be a standalone condition. Most ear infections are bacterial, not viral.

Only a doctor can diagnose an ear infection. People should not take antibiotics without a prescription, or assume that symptoms are due to an ear infection.

However, earaches are not always caused by an ear infection. Other conditions can also cause pain in the ear.

Those include:

• Referred pain: This may be from infections or inflammation elsewhere in the body. For example, a toothache may cause aching pain in the ear.
• Chronic conditions: These include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
• Skin infections: If they are in or around the ear.
• Allergic reactions: These could be from a range of things, such as soap, shampoo, or earrings.
• Water: This may cause pain if trapped in the ear.
• Pressure: Changes in altitude can affect pressure in the ears. This usually resolves on its own, often with a popping sensation.

If left untreated, ear infections can spread to the jaw and other regions of the body. They may also damage the ear itself and can cause dangerously high fevers.

When symptoms of an ear problem are present and do not resolve on their own within a day or two, people should speak to a doctor. If the pain is intense, is accompanied by a high fever, or includes hearing loss, people should seek medical attention immediately.

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Ear Infection 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, with 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)

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. A warm water bottle held over the infected ear should also do the trick. (3,4) “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.

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Ear hurts: what to do at home for an adult, how to treat

Contents

• Causes of pain in the ears inside and out
• Pain inside the ear – the nature of the pain and its localization
• Ways to eliminate pain
• Treat the ear with folk means
• Use the following prescriptions to treat otitis:
• Antibacterials
• Which doctor treats ears
• Homeopathic remedies

Contents

Causes of pain in the ears inside and out

Otalgia, or in other words, pain in the ear, can occur as a result of causes that are sometimes not directly related to the ear itself. Inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity (stomatitis), diseases of the teeth and gums (caries, pulpitis, gingivitis), infectious pathologies that develop in the throat and pharynx (pharyngitis, inflammation of the tonsils), inflammation of the maxillary sinuses can provoke pain.

Insects in the ear

Otalgia can be caused by an insect entering the ear canal. Depending on the size, the discomfort will be different in intensity. A mosquito, a fly or a small midge can fly into the ear. When an insect enters, a person experiences discomfort, itching, noise and pain. If the insect does not leave the ear canal after a short period of time, serious complications can occur, such as hearing problems, congestion, bouts of nausea and dizziness. If an insect bites, there is a risk of developing edema due to an allergic reaction.

Don’t panic. You need to act clearly and calmly. It is impossible to attempt to get a stuck insect with tweezers or other improvised tools. Otherwise, there is a risk of piercing the eardrum or pushing the insect deeper.

Otitis media

Inflammation can occur at any age. But most often otitis media is diagnosed in children aged 3 months to 3 years. This is due to the immaturity in the functional plan of the Eustachian tube. The cause of the development of inflammation are viruses or pathogenic bacterial microorganisms. In the absence of timely treatment, complications may develop. A bacterial infection from the middle ear area passes into adjacent parts, provoking the development of mastoiditis, petrositis or labyrinthitis. Complications such as inflammation of the meninges of the brain are even less commonly diagnosed. Even in the case of successful treatment with antimicrobials after meningitis, a person remains immunodeficient.

The occurrence of complications is characterized by an increase in body temperature, neurological signs, and confusion. With labyrinthitis, paresis of the facial nerve and dizziness may develop.

Other causes

Causes of discomfort may be diseases that are not directly related to ear damage. Factors provoking ear pain can be inflammatory processes in the sinuses, diseases of the oral cavity, teeth and gums (stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis), infectious lesions of the throat.

Pain inside the ear – the nature of the pain and its localization

Ear pain is not accidentally considered one of the most terrible sensations. The symptoms that appear are so painful that they do not allow a person to be distracted by something else. Even the strongest painkillers are often unable to stop it. The pronounced severity of pain in this area is not accidental – the auditory canal is permeated with a huge number of nerve fibers associated with other organs located in the head, and, directly, with the brain.

Important! When there is severe pain in the inner part of the ear, it is necessary to seek qualified medical help, and not try to stop it yourself. Moreover, consultation with an otolaryngologist is necessary for any intensity of pain, since it is directly dependent on the cause that provoked the appearance of a pathological phenomenon.

Pain as a symptom of otitis

Severe pain, fever, discharge from the ear canal – all these signs indicate the presence of inflammatory processes in any part of the hearing organ.

Main ear pathologies:

1. Otitis externa – develops when the hearing organs are damaged by staphylococci, proteas, fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the cause of the disease can be frequent and improper cleaning of the ears. The disease is accompanied by the appearance of boils, the pain increases during chewing, when exposed (pressed) on the auricle, hearing deteriorates, tinnitus occurs, the ear canal swells and turns red. Sometimes the temperature rises, discharge appears.
2. Otitis media – the disease is often diagnosed in children, due to the anatomical features of the structure of the auditory tube, pathogenic microorganisms from the nasopharynx penetrate into the hearing organs. In newborns, frequent regurgitation can provoke the development of pathology, when milk enters the auditory tube and leads to impaired drainage functions. Characteristic features of the disease are acute, shooting pain in the ear, which can radiate to the teeth, temporal region, eye sockets and superciliary arches, pus discharge, temperature of 38 ° C and above.
3. Internal otitis – the disease is accompanied by hearing loss, pain, dizziness, vomiting, it is difficult for a person to maintain balance, the gait becomes unsteady, an obsessive ringing in the ears appears.
4. Often the ear aches, congestion appears, pain of an impulsive nature with excessive release of earwax.

See also: Why does it click in the ear?

If the inflammatory process is localized inside the ear, caused by a bacterial infection, there is a high probability of hearing loss, often even after recovery there are problems with coordination of movement.

Inflammatory processes in nearby organs

Often unpleasant sensations in the hearing organs occur with inflammation of the organs that are in close proximity to the ear, with injuries, tumors.

Why the ear can hurt:

1. Mastoiditis is an inflammatory process of the mastoid process of the skull, which is located behind the auricle, the pathology develops against the background of purulent otitis media. The disease is accompanied by fever to subfebrile values, weakness, migraine, insomnia. Intense pain occurs more often on one side, is localized behind the ear, radiates to the parietal region, upper jaw, and a strong pulsation is felt in the temporal part.
2. Lymphadenitis – inflammation of the lymph node, which is located behind the ear. This disease develops as a complication of dental and ENT diseases.
3. Abscess behind the ear – purulent formation may be located under the periosteum or subcutaneously. Removal is possible only by surgical intervention.
4. Mumps – inflammation of the salivary gland, the pain is localized under the ear.
5. Giant cell arteritis is a rheumatic disease in which pathological changes occur in the ear artery. The disease is often diagnosed in older women.

On the other hand, a doctor is not always available right away. Therefore, every person should be guided in the question of what remedies for ear pain are applicable at the onset of the disease.

The first thing to do in case of acute pain in the ear is to give the person an anesthetic inside

It would seem that what could be more natural? But very often people forget about this, they run to the pharmacy in the middle of the night for ear drops instead of taking a paracetamol or ibuprofen pill and having a quiet time before visiting the doctor. Ibuprofen is preferable to paracetamol because it has an anti-inflammatory effect and the analgesic effect is more pronounced.

Ear pain and runny nose – vasoconstrictors

If the pain is accompanied by a runny nose, it will be useful to put drops with a vasoconstrictive effect in the nose to improve ventilation of the tympanic cavity through the auditory tube.

But with ear drops, the situation is not simple

Different drops are designed for different clinical situations. Some can be instilled if there is a hole in the eardrum, others cannot, etc. The percentage of incorrect self-administration of ear drops by patients approaches 50%.

Therefore, it is worth instilling drops on your own only with full confidence in the diagnosis. For example, the appearance of acute pain in the ear in a child against the background of a runny nose, if the child did not swim the day before in a pond, almost completely indicates acute otitis media. You can drip drops with an analgesic effect, such as Otipax, Otizol, Otinum.

Do not put drops in the ear when injured. It is better to take pain medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.

For acute ear pain in the first two to three hours, topical application of dry heat may be effective

In the future, it is not advisable to warm the ear without medical advice. Thermal procedures cannot be carried out in the phase of purulent inflammation of the ear, which can sometimes develop quite quickly.

Ways to eliminate pain

What should I do if an adult’s ear hurts? After all, this problem often occurs suddenly and requires prompt assistance, which should minimize unpleasant symptoms.

We treat ear pain with folk remedies

Folk remedies will help you quickly and easily get rid of ear pain at home. For the treatment of simple pain in the ear, folk remedies can be used. It is likely that you have one or more of these easily available home remedies.

How can you help yourself and your loved ones if your ears suddenly hurt? An old effective remedy for treating otitis media with folk remedies is camphor oil, which needs to be slightly warmed up and dripped into the sore ear 1 drop each.

For the treatment of pain in the ear caused by inflammation with folk remedies, the following recipe will be most effective: pharmacy, although only 10 percent is on sale and will have a less pronounced impact. To 100 milliliters of tincture, add forty grams of refined sunflower oil. Soak a small gauze swab in this mixture and insert it into the affected ear for a day. The course of treatment is 5-12 days.

Treatment of pain in the ear (otitis media) with boric acid

Before starting treatment, the sore ear is cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide, which should free the sink from sulfur, in the future this will favor the effective effect of boric acid. The head is placed on a pillow, with the affected ear up, five drops of peroxide are dripped into the ear, then the head is tilted to the other side and the ear is wiped with a cotton swab. Boric acid is an excellent antiseptic for the treatment of otitis externa (acute and chronic) without damaging the eardrum. In acute and chronic otitis media, 3-5 drops of boric acid are applied to the turunda and injected into the external auditory canal 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 3-5 days.

See also: Consequences of ear diseases: the child does not hear well after otitis

Then they put the pillow back on the head, drip three drops of boric acid into the ear canal and wait ten minutes. After that, the head is sharply tilted in the opposite direction, and then all moisture is carefully removed from the auricle with a cotton pad.

This procedure should be repeated about four times a day. We must remember to insert an insulating cotton swab or gauze turunda into the ear after each instillation.

Turundas with boric acid can be left overnight. Turundas are gauze tourniquets, which in our case are moistened with boric acid and gently inserted overnight into the sore ear. The course of treatment is not more than 5 days.

Bread compress for earache.

An old recipe for the treatment of ears in children. Literally after 10-15 minutes the pain subsides. You need to take a black crust (in the whole loaf) from bread, put it in a colander over a pot of water (water bath), warm it up on both sides. Then apply to the sore ear (like a compress: cellophane, cotton wool and tie with a handkerchief). It is advisable to hold for at least an hour. If a vodka compress “cools down” after 1.5 hours, then a bread compress keeps heat for more than 3 hours and warms up perfectly. And if you do 2-3 days in a row, then the pain will go away for a long time.

Folk remedy for purulent otitis.

Boil an egg into a “pouch”, take out the yolk, take a yellowish liquid from its middle with a pipette and put 2 drops into the ear, tie it with a handkerchief and go to bed. After waking up, it will be much easier. Then take a thin plate of onion , put a leaf of a golden mustache and a little bit of butter on it, roll it up with a flagellum and insert it into your ear. Keep the medicine for 3 hours. Warm up your feet in the evening: add 1 tablespoon of mustard and 2 tablespoons of salt to 5 liters of hot water. Mix everything and warm the legs with this composition until the water cools down. Put on warm socks and lie down under the covers. At night, put a few drops of mummy infusion into the ear: 1 tablet of mummy should be dissolved in 1 tablespoon of vodka and 2-3 drops should be injected into the ear. This tool cleans well from purulent fluid. And in the peeled onion, cut a small hole on top, add a little granulated sugar there and put in the oven until the onion softens. The resulting bitter-sweet liquid (juice) is instilled in 2-3 drops. 7 days to be treated, and the disease will pass.

Otitis can be cured quite quickly with the use of folk remedies:

When treating otitis, use the following recipes:

a) Cut a hole in a large onion, pour 1 tsp of cumin into it. Close the hole with cotton wool and bake the onion in the oven. Drip the resulting juice into the ears 2-3 drops – for a child, 5-7 drops – for an adult (depending on the severity of the disease) 2-3 times a day.

b) Apply bags with boiled water flowers of elderberry, chamomile or centaury to the ears.

c) Instill 2 drops into the affected ear for a child, and 7-10 drops of juice from fresh basil leaves (2-3 times a day) for an adult. If you do not have fresh basil at hand, you can buy it at a pharmacy the oil of this plant. This oil is an excellent pain reliever, you should definitely have it in your first-aid kit. It will help not only with earache, but also with arthritis, sciatica. It is enough to rub the oil into the sore spot, and after a few minutes you will feel relief.

Ear instillations are performed only in the first stage of otitis media. Sometimes it happens that such procedures are enough to extinguish inflammation and avoid the formation of pus. General requirement: any drops should be warm, approximately 37 degrees Celsius

Black root cures otitis media.

A plant called black root can be used to treat otitis media. Cut 200 g of dry roots and put in a liter bottle or jar. Pour vodka to the top, insist 10 days. for pain in the ear: rub behind the ear more often Do not bury in the ear, you will burn it.

Compresses with kombucha treat otitis media.

Compresses with a 10-12-day infusion of kombucha help with ear pain: moisten gauze, apply it to the parotid area (in front of and behind the ear), cover with polyethylene, cotton wool, wrap with a woolen scarf or scarf. Keep such a compress for 8-9 hours. You can apply a compress with tea vinegar, that is, a 30-day infusion of kombucha. Such a compress is put in the same way as the previous one, and you can keep it all night.

Propolis will remove backache in the ears.

If during a cold starts to shoot in the ear , then it is advisable not to delay, but immediately start treatment. In this case, propolis on alcohol is useful (dissolve 5 g of propolis in 100 ml of alcohol). A flagellum is made from a bandage, dipped in alcohol and inserted into the ear. Lie with that ear up and take a nap. In most cases, everything goes right away.

See also: Why does the auricle hurt?

At the first signs of lumbago in the ears there is another similar recipe: You need to buy or prepare yourself a 40% propolis tincture so that it is always in the home first aid kit. Mix 1 part of propolis tincture with 4 parts of vegetable (sunflower or olive oil), shake until a light brown emulsion with a pleasant smell is obtained. Before use, shake, wet two gauze tubes and insert them into the ears for an hour. In total, 10-12 procedures every other day.This very effective treatment is also suitable for the prevention of hearing loss.

Antibacterials

Which ear pain pills will work? Discomfort in the ears is due to the presence of inflammation in the tissues. To stop purulent processes, experts recommend the use of antibacterial drugs. However, it should be noted that they will be effective only if it is the bacteria that have become the causative agents of infection and the development of pathology.

Antimicrobial therapy should not be interrupted without specialist advice. In the event of a relapse, the prescribed medications will be ineffective, which will be associated with the development of stable immunity to the components of the remedy by the bacteria.

Only an otolaryngologist can select the appropriate drug after a special analysis of the microflora. In advanced cases, inflammatory processes can be stopped with broad-spectrum medicines. What is the most effective medicine for earache in an adult?

• Amoxicillin is a semi-synthetic antibacterial agent that has a pronounced bactericidal effect. Destroys gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Acid-resistant components of the drug are rapidly absorbed into the intestine and block the synthesis of cell walls of microbes;
• Augmentin is a bacteriolytic drug that helps eliminate most anaerobic and aerobic pathogens. The antibiotic is active against bacteria producing beta-lactamase;
• Ceftriaxone is an antibacterial medicine for the ears that has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is administered intramuscularly, which ensures the rapid elimination of anaerobic and aerobic microbes in the affected tissues;
• Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum drug that can be used to treat mixed infections. Promotes the destruction of most gram-positive bacteria, such as Proteus, Klebsiella, influenza bacillus, etc.;
• “Cefuroxime” is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that is resistant to b-lactamases of microbes. It inhibits the development of pathogens in the foci of inflammation for 2-3 days.

Lymphadenitis (enlarged parotid lymph nodes) is often the result of the development of the bacterial flora in the ear cavity. If this symptom occurs, you need to seek help from an otolaryngologist.

Antibacterials for ear treatment in adults are given only in courses of 7-12 days. The systematic use of drugs helps to eliminate catarrhal and purulent processes in the organ of hearing as early as 3-4 days of therapy. However, experts warn that with the improvement of well-being and the disappearance of local manifestations of the pathology, it is impossible to stop taking antibiotics.

Which doctor treats the ears

An otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic and infectious abnormalities in the head: ear, throat and nose. As a rule, specialists have knowledge in neurology, virology, human structure, and pharmacology. With the manifestation of diseases of the hearing organs and upper respiratory tract, it is necessary to seek help from an otolaryngologist.

Once you figure out what to do for earache, it’s easy to provide first aid. The main thing to remember is that if there are no positive results during the first 2-3 days after the onset of pain and the start of self-treatment, in this case it is necessary to consult a doctor for help.

Homeopathic remedies

How to treat ear pain? Antibacterial drugs are used to treat ear pathologies only in advanced cases. This group of medicines not only creates an additional burden on the detoxification organs, but also leads to dysbacteriosis. At the initial stages of the development of inflammatory processes in the auditory analyzer, homeopathic remedies can be used.

Highly diluted preparations, which contain a negligible amount of disease-causing agents, contribute to the development of specific immunity. How to treat ears? You can eliminate the main cause of pain with the help of the following drugs:

• “Aconite” – eliminates hyperthermia, shooting pains and nasal congestion;
• “Hamomilla” – relieves swelling, which contributes to the evacuation of fluid from the ear cavity and, accordingly, the elimination of stuffy ears;
• “Mercurius” – eliminates the manifestations of chronic inflammation, accompanied by the release of purulent exudate;
• “Gepar Sulfur” – anesthetizes and stops catarrhal processes in the mucous epithelium;
• “Verbaskum” – eliminates itching, scaly plaque in the external auditory canal and pain in the ear cavity.

Before treating ear pain with the above medicines, a specialist should be consulted. As a rule, drug therapy involves the use of several groups of drugs at once. This helps to eliminate both the clinical manifestations of the disease and the causative agents of inflammation in the organ of hearing.

Sources

• https://bolit.net/bol-v-uhe/154-bolit-uho-vnutri.html
• http://lor-24.ru/uxo/kak-i-chem-ustranit-bol-vnutri-uxa.html
• https://healthperfect.ru/bol-v-uxe-prichiny-lechenie-kapli-narodnye-sredstva-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html

Ear treatment. How to treat ears at home?

Diagnosis of the cause of ear pain

Sometimes additional diagnostics are needed.

How to treat ears?

After making a diagnosis, the doctor must prescribe a series of procedures and medicines that must be drunk for recovery. Complex treatment in most cases consists in taking antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, as well as in the use of drops or special ointments. Often, unpleasant symptoms disappear 5-6 days after the patient began to treat the ears. However, the reduction or absence of pain does not always signal a complete recovery. Most often, this indicates the beginning of the healing process. In addition, the composition of many drugs includes substances that relieve swelling and inflammation, painkillers.

In difficult cases or when the disease has already passed into a severe stage of development, ear treatment may be accompanied by hospitalization of the patient. This is due to the need for complex procedures that cannot be implemented at home, and the implementation of additional examinations. A patient may be recommended a hospital if the disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature above 38.8 degrees or the presence of other symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

After the ear treatment is completed, the patient needs to undergo a second examination at the ENT. This specialist should confirm that the recovery process is completed and you can stop taking the drugs. Everyone who has suffered severe ear diseases is advised to dress warmly and wear hats in strong winds and cold to prevent relapses in the future.

Ear treatment at home?

If you experience discomfort or pain in your ears, contact a medical facility immediately where you can receive the necessary assistance. You should not treat the ear at home, because this can lead to irreversible consequences, for example, to meningitis, complete deafness or mastoiditis. Although there is a huge list of drugs online today that will help you get rid of pain, they can be ineffective or cause complications.

Ear treatment at home can also provoke allergic reactions or the development of pathologies in other organs. Experts note that today clinics are often visited by patients who have self-medicated. The consequences are in many cases disappointing. Often people relieve only unpleasant symptoms, but the causes remain, which contributes to the progression of pathologies. Therefore, before consulting a doctor, if you need to reduce pain or fever, you can only take a tablet of painkiller or antipyretic.

Folk remedies for ears

Folk remedies will never replace normal complex therapy. They are not a treatment for the ears at home, but only help prevent the development of pathologies. The various manipulations recommended by alternative medicine should be treated with the utmost caution. For example, remember that only a qualified doctor can wash a sulfur plug, but trying to get rid of it on your own is extremely dangerous.

After undergoing treatment, they are allowed to carry out simple procedures that will serve as the prevention of ear diseases. 2 times a month, you can instill a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide and vaseline oil, 5 drops each. After that, it is recommended to clean the auricle with a cotton swab. To prevent damage, do not use matches or other items wrapped in cotton. Make sure the cotton swab is absolutely sterile.

Inhalation is used as an effective method, which cannot be used to cure the ear at home, but sharp pain can be relieved. To do this, use various essential oils, for example, lavender or coniferous. The main thing is to do this with caution, because warming up in many cases contributes to an increase in inflammatory processes. It is worth knowing that inhalation cannot be done at elevated temperatures or in the presence of discharge from the ears.

Otitis externa caused by a boil can be treated with steam baths. They are implemented within no more than three minutes and help reduce pain. You can use this method only after the breakthrough of the boil itself.

Boost your immunity

Ear treatment at home, even with the most popular folk methods, does not lead to complete recovery. “Grandma’s remedies” are best used to increase immunity. Thus, it is worth adding fruits and vegetables to the diet, containing a large amount of vitamins and minerals. The following products will be useful:

• Radish;
• Beets;
• Greens;
• Citrus.