Ear infections can be a nuisance. Not only are they extremely painful, but they can also take several weeks to heal fully. As a result, many choose the wait-and-see approach — meaning that they opt to treat the ear infection without the help of any antibiotics, while some immediately turn towards antibiotics. However, some treat their ear infections with natural home remedies. In fact, various experts recommend home remedies for children and adults with ear infections.
Although there is not enough scientific data to prove the efficiency of home remedies for ear infections, the truth is that they may be soothing for many. Even so, many experience a placebo effect, which provides relief. That being said, combining home remedies with an actual treatment is best to speed up the healing process. You can find different ear infection treatments, such as Earcalm, that you can gain access to via the comfort of your home through Click Pharmacy.
The most significant upside of these natural remedies is that there is no side effect. Therefore, they have no potential to harm you and have a relatively good chance of improving your condition.
- Pop your Ears
It is precisely what it sounds like. In fact, the method is used by professional scuba drivers and pilots. In order to pop your ears, you need to close your mouth and pinch your nostrils with your forefinger and thumb while simultaneously trying to breathe out through your nose. You should repeat the process until you hear or feel a tiny pop. The pop should essentially resemble the pressure change sensation that you feel when you are changing altitude, like when you are in a plane or on a mountain. The method is safe and does not hurt.
- Use a Moist Compress
A moist compress can fix almost anything – even an ear infection. First, ensure the compress you intend to use is soft and clean. Next, soak the chosen towel or washcloth in lukewarm water. Proceed by squeezing out the excess water, folding the cloth into a rectangle, and holding it on your ear. The warmth and moisture from the compress can help relieve congestion in the ear, which may help treat ear infections.
- Take a Steam
Like the concept of moist heat, you can use steam to loosen the congestion. It is incredibly productive at clearing up congestion. You can try taking a steamy shower or bath. In addition, you can use the true-and-tried method of inhaling the steam from a large bowl of water. To do this, place a towel over your head to make a tent as you lean over the bowl (make sure to cover the bowl entirely with your head and towel).
- Gargle with Saltwater
In some cases, ear infections occur due to a sore throat. This means that treating the sore throat can reduce ear pain. So, try gargling with lukewarm saltwater in order to ease your symptoms. Mix 1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water and gargle like you usually would.
- Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
In cases of swimmer’s ear, it is advised to prepare a solution of 50 percent rubbing alcohol and 50 percent vinegar. Then, use a dropper to put the solution into your ear canal. This can have a significant impact on your symptoms. However, before attempting this remedy, ensure that you do not have a tympanostomy tube or a hole in your eardrum. In addition, you should stop using the solution if you feel discomfort or pain.
In addition, this remedy is also incredibly helpful in preventing a swimmer’s ear.
Other Remedies to Try
If the remedies mentioned above do not work as well as you had hoped, try the following remedies as well:
Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments
Over-the-counter medications like Earcalm can help speed up recovery while eliminating the discomfort that comes with the symptoms. Keep in mind that Earcalm contains antibiotic properties, so you can take OTC pain relievers.
Sleep Position
The way you sleep can have a significant impact on your ear infection. Resting your head on two or more pillows is important when you have an ear infection. This allows the affected area to be higher than the rest of your body. If only one ear has been affected, consider sleeping on the opposite side. It is a given that less pressure equates to less ear pain.
Neck Exercises
It is crucial to release the pressure built up in the ear canal due to the infection. Try a few relaxing neck exercises to break the tension. You can try the easiest and simplest; rotating and stretching your neck.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If nothing works, use a dropper to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your ear. Make sure to let the treatment sit in the ear for a few minutes, and then let it drain into a sink. Then, rinse off your ear and pat it dry.
Final Word
It is important to note that not all remedies work for everyone. There might be a trial and error period. In essence, you should contact your GP and discuss the best treatment options for your infection.