Home Remedies for Ear Infections
Children, especially babies, seem to get ear infections quite a bit. One of the reasons is that their eustachian tubes, the canals that lead from the back of the throat to the middle ear, are wider and shorter than those of adults. Another reason is that the nerves to that area may not be fully matured which can effect the tubes. Colds lead to ear infections also and children, especially those in day care centers are exposed to other sick children daily. Adults usually get ear infections less frequently but clogged sinuses can back up to the ear and cause them. Usually a person with an ear infection will experience pain and hearing loss but not always. The best cure for ear infections are antibiotics, which will clear up the infection within 8-10 days. But if the infection occurs overnight there are some things to ease the pain and prevent future infections.
Temporary relief can be obtained by pain relievers containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. These pain relievers will stop the pain and the person suffering should be able to get some sleep. Make sure you read the directions on the bottle and do not give pain releivers to young children or babies without first consulting a doctor.
If suffering from an ear infection do your best to keep your head upright. This will put the eustachian tubes in the position to clear naturally. You may notice that children with ear infections seem to do better during the day but start to suffer when put to bed.
Swallowing triggers the muscles that helps your eustachian tubes open and close, letting them drain, The more you swallow such as when drinking liquids the better for your tubes to clear.
Decongestants taken at night before bed will dry up the fluids inside the ear thus relieving some of the discomfort.
It is beleived that babies who breastfeed stand a less chance of ear infections and ear problems in general. The big difference could be because studies have shown that babies who breastfeed develop better immune systems.
Many people swear by supplements containing zinc as a remedy for ear infections.
Smokers can get get more infections because of the irritants in the air coming from cigarette smoke. Second hand smoke can cause the same problem with children of smokers These irritants can also be in the air from wood burning stoves or other pollutant devices.
Another suggested remedy for ear infections involves 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Recommended dosage is a few drops in each ear.
All of these remedies should be used with caution especially when babies or young children are involved. Health care professionals are comfortabe dealing with children and will know the best treatment for each specific case. In all circumstances with babies or children consult your doctor.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I offer this information not as medical advice but for general purposes. You should seek professional medical help before trying any of the above home remedies.