Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections (also known as otitis media) are one of the most common reasons for children to visit the doctor.

Although adults can also experience middle ear infections, these infections are usually seen in children which is why the importance of natural cures cannot be overstated.

Many people feel that when it comes to middle ear infections antibiotics can be ineffective, have negative side effects or simply don’t work to reduce pain instantly and therefore they find home remedies much more beneficial.

In any case, a visit to the doctor is warranted and antibiotics will usually be prescribed, however for those who need immediate pain relief from a middle ear infection, using a natural cure is sure to help.

Symptoms of a Middle Ear Infection:

  • Pain in the ear (in babies this may result in ear tugging and crying)
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased hearing ability
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loud talking
  • Fever
  • Burst eardrum which will leak fluid from the ear

Causes of a Middle Ear Infection:

Ear infections are usually present after a cold or infection takes place in the body and the middle ear tubes (called the Eustachian tubes) become infected and filled with fluid and/or mucus.

There are some things that make children more susceptible to a middle ear infection however, such as:

  • Being bottle fed
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Exposure to other children with infections at nursery, daycare etc.

In adults the ear infection is usually a result of a virus or bacterial infection.

Natural Cures for Middle Ear Infections:

When an ear infection is contracted, the pain is often strong and a home remedy is needed to alleviate the pain immediately.

First and foremost, a painkiller such as ibuprofen is a good way to reduce pain quickly; however there are many home remedies that work just as well, especially in preventing future ear infections.

Zinc:

Increasing zinc in the diet is said to prevent ear infections.

Vitamin C:

Eating citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons can help to ward off infections of the ear.

Breastfeeding:

Bottle-fed babies are more susceptible to middle ear infections, so a great home remedy to preventing this ailment in children is to breastfeed your baby rather than bottle-feed.

Tea Tree Oil:

A drop of tea tree oil in each ear works as a natural cure to ear infections as it is antibacterial and can help to kill off the bad bacteria that caused the infection.

Essential Oils:

Mix peppermint and eucalyptus oils in a sink full of hot water.

Place a towel over the skin with your head underneath and inhale the vapors for pain relief and cleared sinuses.

Echinacea:

If the infection has just begun, start taking echinacea daily to fight infection.

This is a natural cure intended for adults as children should not take echinacea without speaking to a doctor first.