Home Remedies for an Ear Infection

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As we’re coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still other viruses running rampant, such as the flu and RSV. Because of this, we’ve seen a rise in ear infections in both children and adults.

While it’s not as common for adults to get these pesky infections, it’s not uncommon to be afflicted. And when an infection happens, it can be annoying, especially if it’s not bad enough to warrant a doctor’s appointment.

So what can you do? Well, there are some home remedies for an ear infection you can try first. Here are the top ones that can help.

Use a Compress

Hot and cold compresses are the go-to solution when you strain a muscle and need relief. Well, they’re still a fantastic remedy for ear infections!

You can use either a heating pad or soak a clean washcloth with warm water. Place it over your ear for 10 minutes, then switch to an ice pack wrapped in a clean rag. After 10 minutes, switch to the hot compress again.

If you’re a fan of one or the other, that’s fine too. You can just use one compress to make things simpler.

Put Naturopathic Drops in Your Ear

Naturopathic drops are oils made of herbal extracts. There are old studies that show naturopathic drops can be useful for ear pain, but not much else has been researched on this topic; in fact, a more recent study found that they might not help with ear infections. Still, it doesn’t hurt to try!

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If you have a vial handy, put a few drops into your ear canal after warming it up slightly. Be sure not to overheat the oil, as it can be painful if it’s too hot.

After a few minutes, you can put a clean cloth on your ear, then tilt so the drops are drained.

Put Drops of Olive Oil in Your Ear

If you don’t have naturopathic drops around, then olive oil will do in a pinch too.

While olive oil does have antibacterial properties, again, there’s not much scientific evidence that shows it can alleviate ear pain and help you get over the infection. However, it’s perfectly safe, so you might as well see if it improves things.

Like with the naturopathic drops, carefully warm up some olive oil. Put a few drops into your ear, then drain it against a clean cloth after a few minutes.

Use Pain Relievers

Does your ear ache a lot, and the other solutions aren’t really doing anything? Then it’s time for some pain relievers.

Thankfully, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) options available. For example, you can try ibuprofen or acetaminophen;  these are actually fantastic for treating acute otitis media (AOM). They can also lower your fever if you have one.

If it’s your kid who has an ear infection, then check with your doctor first before giving them any OTC pain relievers. Children under 16 shouldn’t take aspirin.

Adjust Your Sleep Position

Did you know that your sleep position can either alleviate or aggravate your ear infection? This may be the reason why you wake up in more pain after trying to sleep it off.

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If you’re a side sleeper, lie down with the unaffected ear on your pillow. Not only will this lessen irritation, but it’ll also help it drain better.

Otherwise, sleep sitting up to keep your head elevated. If that’s difficult, then prop your head up with extra pillows. This is another way to help your infected ear drain.

Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful ear infection treatment since it can rid your ear canal of wax if there’s buildup. This can then keep your ear clean, and as a result, you’ll clear the infection quicker.

Put a few drops into your affected ear. After a few minutes, let it drain onto a clean towel. Finish by rinsing the inside of your ear with clean distilled water.

Try Ginger or Garlic

It might seem strange to dig further in your kitchen for these ingredients, but they’re great ear infection treatments.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain. You can use either straight ginger juice or warm up some oil with ginger in it, then strain it. Don’t put it directly into your ear though; only apply it to the outer ear canal.

Garlic has similar properties; it’s an antibiotic and pain reliever. You’ll want to warm up the oil with garlic in it and strain. Then apply the garlic oil to your ear canal.

See a Doctor

You can give all these home remedies a try when you have ear infection signs. However, there comes a time when you should go see a doctor like http://halsnasenohrenartz.com/.

For one, if the person with the ear infection is a small child and has a high fever, it’s best if you bring them to a doctor promptly. Children are less able to fight off infections, so they’ll likely need some extra help from antibiotics.

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If the person is you, then you should gauge your pain levels. If they don’t get better, or they become worse, see your doctor. The same goes if you have a fever.

Try These Home Remedies for an Ear Infection

These home remedies for an ear infection will come in handy if you wake up with one. It’ll make the pain more bearable, and you can then see if your body can fight off the infection on its own.

However, if things stagnate or get worse, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. A hefty dose of antibiotics may be what you need to get completely better.

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