It is advisable for people who experience pain in their ears to see an ENT doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, there are those who choose to use the conventional ways or to self medicate whenever they have an ear ache. Some of these remedies can help but it is best to be more careful when it comes to the ears of children.
A viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear is called Acute Otitis Media. It usually results from a complication of an allergy or common cold. This type of infection is more frequent in children. However, symptoms as well as treatments are basically the same for older children and adults.
With Acute Otitis Media, your ear will feel painful while showcasing a red and bulging eardrum. Depending on the gravity, most people heal from this infection without the need for antibiotics or treatment. However, since ENT doctors cannot predict whose infection will heal on their own, ENT doctors still prescribe antibiotics like Amoxicillin to all its patients, especially the ones who experiences it severely or if the symptoms have not subsided after 72 hrs.
Since pain relief is vital, most doctors also prescribe pain relievers like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen like Tylenol. However, if there is persistent or severe pain accompanied by fever and bulging of the eardrum, Myringotomy should be performed by the ENT specialist.
The ENT specialist will create an opening onto the ear drum to drain the fluid from the Otitis Media or middle ear. This opening will just heal in time; no treatment is necessary. Thus, the procedure will not affect one’s hearing. Thus, for those who frequently experience Acute Otitis Media, ENT doctors will suggest to have your Tympanostomy or drainage tubes placed inside your eardrums.
These days, more and more people are becoming practical and self reliant. Although it is a general rule not to self medicate, especially with kids, there are those who still prefer conventional ways of curing themselves.
Here are some of the most common ear ache remedies:
Herbal Drops
These drops have various oils, specifically garlic oil. Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic which means, it possesses antibacterial properties. Initially, you need to warm up the bottle in a hot water cup and then put 3 droplets into the infected ear. You can use a hairdryer for about 3 minutes on low setting. Then, use a hot folded wash cloth that is placed inside a zip locked bag. You need to do this about 3x up to 4x a day.
Heating Pad
Place a heating pad under a pillowcase. You can lie on it and take a nap or sleep for a while.
Tiger Balm
Carefully put some Tiger Balm along the outer portion of the aching ear canal. Put some balm even up to the neck beneath the aching ear. You can also put a moist and warm compress on the aching ear and go for a short sleep.
Peroxide and Alcohol
Using a small cap, mix about 50 Peroxide and 50 Alcohol. Then, drop it onto the aching ear. You will see some bubbles. When it stops bubbling, turn over and allow draining. You can repeat the procedure as you deem necessary. This will not only warm up the ear, it will also kill the bacteria.
Cotton Wool Bud and Olive Oil
Dip about half of a cotton wool bud in warm water and olive oil. Gently put the bud inside the aching ear and let it stay for a while. After a few seconds, take it out.
Potato Steam
Cut a potato into two parts. Heat ½ of the potato inside a microwave until it becomes very hot. Place the hot potato on a wash cloth and allow the steam to flow to the infected ear’s canals. Let the steam flow until the potato becomes cold.
Salt in a Sock
Place a frying pan over low heat and pour some salt into the pan. Then, place your heated salt inside a clean sock, Place the sock on your aching ear. You will feel relief in a few minutes.
Alcohol
Put some alcohol in a cup and heat it inside a microwave for about 5 seconds. Allow cooling for a few seconds and gently pour a few drops into the aching ear.
Blow Dryer
Gently blow through your nose while you hold your nostrils shut. Using a blow dryer, put in on low setting and point it into your aching ear from a distance.
Alcohol and White Vinegar
Apply a few drops of Alcohol onto the aching ear. Then, apply a few drops of white vinegar before lying down, for about 10 minutes. Your aching side should be the upper part. After a few minutes, urn so that your aching side will face down and will lie onto a hot damp towel. Wait until the towel cools down, reheat it and repeat the procedure for about 4x.
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