Home Remedies for Earache

An earache can be described as a sharp pain, throbbing or dull pain that causes much discomfort. It is very common in children but can affect people of all ages. The most common cause of earache is otitis, middle ear infection (the space behind the eardrum) or otitis externa, inflammation of the external ear canal. Ear pain is easily treatable and rarely causes complications.

The most common symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis) include:

Fever or high temperature

* Earache

* Dizziness

* Temporary hearing loss

* Persistent Crying, especially in infants

Irritability

Symptoms and signs of outer ear infection include:

Swelling

Itching

* Pus in the ear

What causes earache?

The most common causes of ear pain include:

* Obstruction in the ear tube (eustachian tube)

* Objects in the ear

* Ear infection

Arthritis of the jaw

* Infection of the tooth

* Damaged or broken eardrum

* Sinusitis

* Sore throat

* Tonsillitis

* Pharyngitis

* Ear wax buildup

* The soap or shampoo lodged in the ear

Diagnosis of ear pain

Diagnosis of ear pain is a physical examination based on the symptoms. Your doctor will examine the outer ear, the ear canal and eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope. The examination may also involve the mouth, nose, throat and teeth. In some cases, X-rays may also be ordered.

Help for earaches

Ear pain is usually treated with eardrops containing antibiotics to help fight infection. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen also provide pain relief. If ear pain is not severe, apply a warm compress, wet the outer ear to reduce pain.

Insert warm olive oil in the ear canal to relieve pain or gently massaging below each ear. For more serious episodes of earache, along with an oral antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed. Children who experience repeated ear infections may require a surgical procedure that involves having tubes inserted in the ears.

Natural Remedies

People are increasingly choosing herbal and homeopathic remedies as a natural alternative to antibiotic treatment for ear pain . These treatments are safe and gentle on the body system and also support overall health of the ear. Herbs such as Pulsatilla purpurea (Pasque flower) and Echinacea act as a nerve relaxant and reduces inflammation while also stimulating the immune system. Homeopathic ingredients such as Hepar. Sulph, Belladonna, Pulsatilla and Levisticum treat the symptoms of ear infections.