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Ear infection or Otitis generally affects children and is characterized pain, especially when the ear is touched or pulled. If the inner ear has been affected along with the external ear, then there can also be problems related to balance and hearing. Ear infections are caused due to any fluid that has collected in the ear.
This occurs quite frequently after a cold when the mucus build-up from the sinus drains in to the ear. Those who swim can have water collecting inside the ear. The infection starts when the fluid builds up inside the ear canal and does not get drained.
In order to treat and prevent ear infections, it is essential to keep the ear clean and dry by plugging the ears with cotton to drain the fluid blocked in the ear and prevent water from entering. For instant relief from the pain resulting from an ear infection, you should apply a warm compress to the ear using a damp warm wash cloth. Alternately you can take a clean sock filled with rice and place it in the microwave for 1 minute. Applying this to the ear not only soothes the pain, but also helps to drain the build-up of fluid in the ear. If the fluid build-up is due to frequent occurrence of cold and sinus problems, then it is a good idea to regularly use decongestants to keep the nasal canals clean and prevent build-up of fluid inside the ear. Other remedies include using ajwain oil as a natural eardrop to relieve the pain from the ear infection. Alternately you can put a few drops of natural sweet oil in your ear, lying on your opposite ear to ensure it goes in properly. Plug your ear with a small ball of cotton to ensure that the oil stays in your ear. A natural home remedy that is effective involves the use of a natural antibiotic known as Colloidal silver which should be put in the ear. This not only soothes the pain it also treats the infection over a period of 4 to 5 days if the treatment is continued twice a day for this period. Finally you can squeeze the juice of a lemon into your ear and then tilt your head and drain it out after a few seconds. The acidic nature of the lemon juice has a neutralizing effect on the Ph levels inside the ear, leading to an efficient evacuation of the infection causing bacteria in the ear. If the pain persists and there is a draining of fluid from the ear it could signify a rupture of the ear canal, in which case you should consult an ENT specialist.
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