If you or your loved one has an earache, it may be a symptom of an ear infection. An ear infection is less common in adults or grown children. However, anyone can experience it if it’s due to an infection.
While it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have a persistent earache caused by an infection, there are ways you can use to treat it at home.
Keep scrolling to learn about ear infections and what remedies you can use to treat them at home.
Ear Infection- What Should You Know
An ear infection usually affects the middle ear. The small bones in this space conduct sound. Bacteria or viruses can cause ear infections, often due to colds or other respiratory infections.
The symptoms of an ear Infection may include ear pain, fever, headache, hearing loss, drainage from the ear, and difficulty sleeping. Ear infections are more common in children than adults but can occur at any age.
Remedies to Treat Ear Infection at Home
Treating ear infections at home is difficult, but many patients use the given remedies to overcome pain.
Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and place it over the ear.
Garlic Oil
Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections. Mix a few drops of garlic oil with equal amounts of coconut or olive oil. A dropper puts a few drops of the mixture into the affected ear.
Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help relieve congestion and pressure in the ears. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and use a dropper to put a few drops in each nostril.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help kill germs and reduce inflammation. Mix two spoons of apple cider vinegar and plain water and use a dropper to put a few drops in the affected ear.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Mix a few drops of essential oil with carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and use a dropper to put a few drops in the affected ear.
Visit Walk-In Clinic for Ear Treatment
If you suspect you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether or not antibiotics are necessary. They may perform a physical examination, look inside your ear with a horoscope, and possibly order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Some at-home antibiotics can also help you treat ear infections. If you think these at-home remedies are ineffective, visit a walk-in clinic for ear-infection treatment.