The Best Home Remedies for Ear Infection Relief
Highlights
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An ear infection develops when the middle ear becomes inflamed, most commonly due to an infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract and moves to the ear.
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Most cases of ear infections can be treated with home remedies like over-the-counter (OTC) medication, gargling saltwater, and changing sleeping positions.
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If your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent complications like hearing loss.
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection—also known as otitis media—is a common condition that occurs when the middle ear becomes inflamed.
This infection can occur in one or both ears and can be caused by a variety of factors, including a bacterial or viral infection, changes in air pressure, and persistent allergies.
Although ear infections are most common in children, they can affect people of all ages. If you have an ear infection, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Unusual discharge or drainage from the ear
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
It can be uncomfortable to deal with an ear infection, but most cases will resolve on their own or can be treated at home.
How Do You Get an Ear Infection?
The most common cause of an ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that begins in the upper respiratory tract—such as in the nose or throat.
These bacteria or viruses can travel through the Eustachian tube — which connects the back of the throat to the middle ear — causing the ears to become inflamed and infected.
Other factors that may increase your risk of developing an ear infection include:
- Allergies
- Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke or air pollution
- Changes in air pressure (such as during air travel)
- Having a weakened immune system
Children are also more likely to develop an ear infection than adults.
This is because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for harmful organisms to enter the middle ear.
What are the Best Home Remedies for Ear Infections?
An ear infection can usually be treated at home without medical intervention. Let’s take a look at the best home remedies for ear infection relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
Pain and fever relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms related to an ear infection.
Since these medications are OTC options, it’s important to read and follow the dosage instructions for the best results.
Warm compress
Applying a warm compress to the affected area may help reduce pain and swelling associated with an infection.
Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it against the infected ear for 10-15 minutes.
Gargle with saltwater
This home remedy may help relieve a sore throat or nasal congestion contributing to a developing ear infection.
To make your saltwater mixture, mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and gargle for about 15-30 seconds. Remember to spit the water out once you’re done.
Use garlic and olive oil
Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight an ear infection by killing harmful organisms.
You can make garlic oil by crushing a few cloves into a carrier oil, like olive oil. Warm the mixture slightly before administering a few drops into the affected ear canal.
Do neck exercises
Gentle neck exercises—such as rotating the head from side to side or tilting the head up and down—can improve fluid flow in the middle ear.
This may help to relieve pain and pressure associated with an ear infection to make it more bearable.
Change your sleeping position
Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can also improve the flow of fluid in the ear, reducing pressure, pain, and swelling.
It might be uncomfortable to do this, so try propping your head up with pillows or sleeping in a reclining chair.
When Should You See a Doctor about an Ear Infection?
While home remedies are a convenient way to relieve and treat ear infections, it’s important to seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve.
In some cases, unresolved ear infections can cause further complications, such as hearing loss. The infection may also spread to other parts of the body.
Generally, it’s recommended that you see your doctor if you experience any of the following in addition to other symptoms:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Seizures or convulsions
- Neck stiffness
- High fever (above 104°F)
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Breathing difficulties
If you have any concerns about your ear infection, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
They will be able to recommend an appropriate course of prescription medication—such as antibiotics—to help treat the infection and prevent complications. Your doctor may also recommend further testing to assess any damage to the ear.
Where Can I Learn More About Ear Infections and Other Similar Conditions?
If you suspect that you have an ear infection or you’re concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse from the comfort of your home.
Head over to LifeMD to schedule a telehealth appointment.
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