Main reasons for earaches
The two main causes of earaches are the infection of the outer ear and the middle ear called otitis externa and otitis media in medical parlance. Otitis externa is the skin infection of the ear canal which often occurs after swimming. It is also called swimmer’s ear. Otitis media is the infection of the middle ear and eardrum. It is commonly seen in infants and children. Ear ache may also be caused due to ear infection or any ear disease, nose, mouth, or throat infection, injury to jaw bones, an insect in the ear, fungus growth in the ear, wax buildup in the ear and so on. There are various possible earache causes that could even include toothaches, which also trigger severe headaches. Otitis externa is often caused by moisture accumulating in the ear canal. Damage to the ear canal due to injury can also lead to infections of the outer ear. The risk of contracting otitis externa is high in those who swim regularly. It can also occur after bathing or due to humidity, and hot climates. The bacteria that are responsible for the ear infection thrive in warm and moist conditions and hence find an ideal breeding place in the ear canal. In rare cases, otitis externa may be due to fungi. Small scrapes or minor bruises that affect the ear may also lead to infection. This may occur if objects like paper clips or even cotton swabs are inserted inside the ear to clean it. The ruptures or tears that could be present on the skin may permit some bacteria to enter and cause infection. Otitis externa symptoms may be confused with other types of earaches, but if diagnosed properly, treatment is simple and effective. Otitis media may develop on account of bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. It commonly occurs after infections of the respiratory tract or even after a cold. Such infections may lead to inflammation of the Eustachian tube which is responsible for drainage of fluids from the middle ear. Other risk factors for otitis media include heredity, allergies, exposure to smoke, anatomical abnormalities of the neck and head and bottle feeding while lying flat. Earaches may also be caused by myringitis, which is inflammation and swelling of the ear drum due to trauma or infection. The ear drum may get affected when objects are inserted into the ear for removing the wax. Changes in pressure, travelling by air and loud noises can also damage the ear drum and lead to myringitis. Blistering and inflammation of the ear drum may sometimes also occur due to viral and bacterial infections. Because of the variety of possible causes and various types of earaches, the cause needs to be identified accurately for earache treatment to be effective, but for some quick earache pain relief, natural earache home remedies can suffice.
Otitis externa and myringitis usually require medical care. Otitis media may get better on its own through pain alleviation and home care, but ear infection remedies are not always effective. In case of a earache that persists for a few hours and increases in intensity, a doctor should be consulted. Also, a earache that is accompanied by fever and hearing loss must be examined by a doctor. Although there are some effective home remedies for earaches, it is advisable to seek medical care for earaches in babies, particularly if accompanied by symptoms like fever. Individuals with compromised immunity or diabetes must also seek medical attention for a earache in order to rule out a more serious condition known as malignant otitis externa. The root of a earache is usually diagnosed after reviewing the patient’s history. A complete medical exam, x-rays as also other tests may be conducted.
Use of Garlic Juice
Pour some garlic juice in the affected ear; its analgesic properties will help to relieve the pain. If your earache is due to a rise in altitude than just chew some gum or try yawning. This will contract the muscles and open the Eustachian tubes. For swimmer’s ear, put some mineral oil in both ears before going in the water. Apply some heat to your aching ear using a heating pad or a warm cloth. Put few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the aching ear. Put two drops of holy basil leaves’ juice in the aching ear.
The pain arising from a earache may be alleviated through the use of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. Earaches could also result from a clogged ear. An effective clogged ear remedy that you can use at home for pain reduction and to minimize discomfort is the application of a warm compress near the ear. The compress should not be very hot as this could burn the skin. The warmth helps to ease pain and swelling. Many individuals obtain benefit from ear infections and earache through simple home remedies. Garlic, olive oil, and vinegar are some ingredients common to almost any earache home remedy and can even be used as earache cures in children. A mixture of sesame oil and garlic is one such beneficial home remedy. Add a clove of garlic to a teaspoon of sesame oil and warm the mixture. Add 2 to 3 drops to the affected ear while lying down and allow it to remain for about ten minutes. You can also grind a few basil leaves and warm the paste slightly. Then add about four drops to the affected ear. The juice of mango leaves is known to help in easing earaches. Add some warm mango leaf juice to the ears before going to bed at night. Pouring a few drops of warm mustard oil into the ears is also known to help in treating an earache. Swimmers who are prone to developing ear infections may benefit from adding some mineral oil in both ears before going for a swim. Earache that occurs while travelling in an airplane is usually resolved by chewing on some gum or candy. This helps to exercise the throat muscles and relieves pressure from the ears.
Use of Olive Oil
For relief from a earache olive oil is the most commonly sought after home cure. Apart from earaches olive oil can also cure buzzing in the ears. The olive oil should be only slightly warm before being put into the ear canal to relieve ear pain.
Use of Onions
A whole onion should be cooked till it is soft and then it should be wrapped in a piece of cloth and applied over the ear to provide relief from earache and dizziness. Leave it on for a few minutes and then apply to the other ear as well.
Use of Peppermint Leaves
Another good earache home treatment is juice freshly squeezed out from peppermint leaves. This juice can be inserted in the aching ear to provide pain relief.
Use of Licorice
A pasty mixture prepared by warming licorice in some clarified butter is another good home remedy for earache and dizziness. This paste can be applied externally around the aching ear for quick relief from pain.
Use of Bishop’s Weed Oil
Bishop’s weed oil can be warmed along with three times the quantity of sesame oil and used as ear drops to cure earache. 4-5 drops in each ear is good enough for curing earache.
Use of Radish
Another good earache home treatment can be prepared by warming tiny pieces of chopped radish in mustard oil and this oil can then be filtered into a glass bottle. In case of an earache, a few drops of this oil can be inserted into the affected ear to provide pain relief.
Use of Ginger
Freshly extracted ginger juice can also be inserted directly into the ears to provide earache relief. Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are very effective in fighting ear infections and therefore providing quick pain relief.