Earache Symptoms and Solutions


Earache Symptoms and Solutions
The pain in the ear can indicate any of a number of conditions, from excessive earwax to temporary poromandibular joint syndrome. But it is most often the result of otitis media, or infection of the middle ear. Earache is also often caused by swimmer's ear-inflammation and possibly infection of the outer ear canal.

Symptoms
  1. Pain in the ear that is either sharp and sudden or dull and throbbing, accompanied by lever, nasal congestion and muffed hearing, may indicate otitis media (middle ear infection). A child with otitis media may tug at the ear and cry when lying down at night.
  2. Itching in the ear, later with sharp or dull pain that worsens, when you pull on the eariobe, may indicate swimmer's ear. There may also be a yellowish discharge, and possibly fever and temporary hearing loss.
  3. Sudden ear pain, usually after an injury or infection, may indicate a ruptured eardrum. There may also be bleeding or pus discharge from the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ear, or partial hearing loss.

Treatments


Most treatments try to rid the ear of infection or provide relief while the infection clears up on its own. Controversy surrounds the use of antibiotics. Research indicates that 80 percent of otitis media cases are viral in origin and therefore will not respond to antibiotics.

Aromatherapy


Lavender oil may help to reduce inflammation and pain. For swimmer's ear gently rub the area around the outer ear with 3 to 5 drops of lavender oil diluted in 1 tsp vegetable oil.

Ayurvedic Medicine


To open drain the Eustachian tubes, Ayurvedic physicians massage the lymph nodes outside the ears. The massage is complemented with a drink made with the herb Amala a source of vitamin C.

Herbal Therapy


Mullein oil, which has anti inflammatory properties, may help soothe and heal an inflamed ear canal. Put 1 to 3 drops in the infected ear every 3 hours. Because ear drop solutions cannot penetrate the middle ear, they should be reserved for outer ear infections. But be careful, do not use ear drops if there's chance that the eardrum is ruptured.

Nutrition and Diet


The following supplements will help fight a viral infection
  1. Vitamin C, daily dosage- Your child's age times 500 mg but high doses of Vitamin C causes diarrhea
  2. Zinc daily dosage- Your age times 2.5 mg, but do not take more than 50 mg per day without consulting a doctor.
  3. Bioflavonoids, daily dosage- Your child's age times 50 mg but do not go more than 250 mg a day.

Home Remedies


  1. Warmth, perhaps provided by a hot compress, relieves the symptoms of ear infection. Hot footbaths and inhalations of steam may also help.
  2. Gargling with salt water helps soothe an irritated throat and clear the Eustachian tubes.
  3. For swimmer's ear, make sure you keep the infected ear canal dry during the healing process, even while showering. Use earplugs or a shower cap.
  4. Some people find relief with over the counter nasal sprays, which act as decongestants. Used for more than three days, however, sprays can become habit forming and lead to rebound congestion, or a worsening of your condition.

Prevention


Because bottle-fed babies are more likely to get otitis media. It is better to breast feed your infant, if possible, to prevent ear infections. If you must bottle-feed, never lay your baby down and prop the bottle up. Because allergies can cause otitis media, remove as many environmental pollutants from your home as you can, including dust, cleaning fluid and solvents, and tobacco smoke.

Food allergies may play a role in otitis media, so if you or your child is susceptible to the disease, try cutting back on milk, wheat products, corn products and food additives, as these tend to be more allergenic than other foods