Earache is so common in kids but adults can also get an ear infection. It happens because kids do not have a strong immune system that can fight against bacteria and other viruses.
The best ent specialist says that you cannot stop the infections but yes, you can practice some tips to prevent infections in the ears.
What Causes Ear Infection?
Ear infections happen in the middle ear as which is the area of the ear behind your eardrums. This area contains tiny and vibrating bones that pick up the sound waves.
These sound waves are those that we hear.
Some conditions bring on ear infections, such as allergies, flu, and colds. It happens because these conditions result in congestion and swelling in your nasal passage. When a person does not drain the fluid buildup, then it may result in an ear infection.
What Are The Risk Factors For The Ear Infection?
Winter or cold waves are the cause of ear infections. Upper respiratory infections are at their peak during the cold season. The small size of Eustachian tubes also put the children at high risk of developing an ear infection.
What are the other factors?
Low Air Quality: Toxic elements in the air or smoking can increase the chance of getting an ear infection.
Bottle and Pacifiers: drinking milk or any other fluid while lying down increases the chances of an ear. Pacifiers also put you at risk.
Tips to Prevent Ear Infection
- When you take shower, dry your tears and use a cloth to wipe them out.
- If you have ear pain, do not swim.
- During bathing, stuff your ear with cotton to prevent water from entering your ear canal.
- Use chewing gum to stabilize ear pressure.
- Do not go on airplanes when you have a sinus infection and cold.
- Use earplugs when you are in a place with a lot of noise.
- Foreign objects can cause damage when you use them to clean out ear wax.
Treatment for Eardrum Infection
Your ear will heal on its own but if it does not, you need to visit a doctor to patch the eardrum. This process involves a medicated paper patch that is placed over the tear in the membrane. It promotes the growth of the membrane.
Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics helps a lot as it removes the infection that can result in eardrum rupture. Experts say that it prevents infections from perforation. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to people.
Surgery
For rare cases, surgery is required to patch the hole in the eardrum. Tympanoplasty is a process that is done.
What Home Remedies You Should Go For?
Yes, you can ease the pain of your eating at home with some natural tips. Taking heat or use of painkillers can help you a lot. Experts suggest placing warm and dry compress multiple times a day as it helps to ease the pain. Avoid blowing your nose as it can put pressure and cause severe pain.
Hold your breath and try to clear your ears.
Gargling
Saltwater is beneficial to soothe the throat. But doctors say that gargling with salt water clears up the Eustachian tubes.
Stand straight and tall
It is the best way to drain your middle ear.
If you have an earache, the following tips will help you get rid of the pain.
Doctors say that choose a sleep position that will not affect your ear.
Pressure in the ear canal causes earache but neck exercise is the solution to this problem.
Chiropractic treatment is beneficial and helps to soothe the earache. People often think that this treatment only works for back pain but it does leave positive effects on earache as well.
Over-the-counter pain relievers also control the pain but you should ask your doctor before taking them.
Natural herbs, like garlic, contain beneficial properties such as antibiotics and pain-relieving. Warm oil with crushed garlic is a good practice to get rid of the pain.
Final Thought
If a hot compress and natural tips do not work, get medical help as an ear can cause severe issues. Many infections can be treated at home with rest.