What is an ear infection?
Ear infections can occur due to a bacterial or viral invasion that impacts the middle ear or area behind the eardrum. They can lead to inflammation and pain with fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Earaches can also happen without infection due to some other causes including trauma, tumours, jaw pain, and changes in pressure (Flying, scuba diving).
Here are 10 effective remedies to ease out earache:
Cold and Warm Compresses
Using an ice pack or a warm compress against the ear for about 10 to 15 minutes can alleviate the pain. In the case of children, you can switch between hot and cold compress to soothe earache.
Garlic
One of the best natural remedies for earache is garlic. Allicin, a bioactive compound found in garlic can assist fight against bacterial infections. Eating raw garlic may help reduce ear pain. However, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking it, as garlic may interfere with antibiotics.
Using garlic oil topically can also help kill bacteria and viruses. Soak a few cloves of crushed garlic in some warm olive oil to make your homemade garlic oil.
Ginger
Applying some ginger juice around the outer ear canal can help reduce earache. You can also try some ginger oil (strained oil warmed with ginger in it). Remember not to put the ginger oil or its juice directly into the ear.
Sleeping In An Upright Position
Sleep in an upright position when suffering from ear pain. This position helps reduce the pressure buildup in the ear that soothes the pain.
Hair Dryer
After taking a bath, set your hair dryer on a low heat setting, hold it at a distance from the ear for not more than five minutes. Make sure to recheck the temperature before use to refrain from burning your ear.
*Seek medical attention if the pain persists for more than 24-48 hours.
Engaging In Neck Exercises
Earache can happen due to tense muscles around the ear canal exerting pressure on the area. In such cases, simple neck exercises may help to reduce the pain.
Try this simple exercise:
Slowly rotate your neck and head. Lift your shoulders toward the ears and repeat the same throughout the day.
Mullein Oil
The oil made from the flowers of the mullein plant is an effective pain reliever for the ear. One can avail mullein oil from the nearest stores.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water to form a solution. Then, put a few drops of the mixture in the affected ear and cover it with a cotton ball. Doing so will help reduce inflammation.
*Please consult your physician if you are hesitant about using the same remedy.
Popping A Chewing Gum
If you experience earache during travel or when moving to higher elevations, chewing gum can help reduce pressure in such situations. Hence, this may help in reducing earache.
Distractions
One of the methods to reduce the feeling of pain is by using the distraction method. This method is commonly used for children suffering from earache. Diverting their attention by keeping them occupied in video games or cartoons on television can be helpful.
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