Ear Ache Remedy

A Ear Ache is almost always a sign of infection, and it is usually better to get such an infection treated by a doctor. Even if you intend to treat a ear infection using home remedies, such treatment should last for no longer than three days. If after three days, there is still no improvement and the pain seems to be continuing, you should visit a doctor immediately. If after the first day itself, the pain has worsened, visit your doctor as it is obvious that the home remedies are not working.

There are several different types of ear infections. Certain ear infections, such as most inner ear infections, cause none of the more recognized symptoms such as pain, itching, and inflammation. An inner ear infection typically causes symptoms such as nausea and giddiness, as the inner ear plays an important role in balance. If you have an ear ache, the infection is probably of the outer ear or the middle ear. An outer ear infection is quite mild, and usually involves just the visible part of the ear. This is a skin infection, rather than an infection of the actual mechanism of the ear itself. The infection commonly known as Swimmer’s ear is one such infection, which is caused by fungi. Such infections typically involve inflammation and itching of the affected skin, along with some amount of pain. An infection of the outer ear can often be treated with some simple home remedies and basic measures to keep the ear clean. A good home remedy for such an infection is a solution of vinegar and water in equal measures. Prepare the solution, dip a wad of cotton in it, and then use the cotton to thoroughly clean the ear. You can similarly use a mixture of aluminum sulfate and acetic acid, which is usually available over the counter at any medical store. It is also very important to keep the ear clean and dry at all times, as moisture helps both fungi and bacteria to grow and multiply. One point should be noted however – middle ear infections can sometimes be misdiagnosed as infections of the outer ear if there is drainage of fluid. In such a case, the remedies mentioned may be dangerous, as the ear drum may be perforated. Therefore, if you are not sure what the problem is, you should avoid attempting to treat it yourself.

Infections of the middle ear are best treated by a doctor. Remedies such as putting a few drops of warm garlic oil in the ear may temporarily relieve the pain, but this too is risky without knowing the severity of the infection.