Is Ear Infection Symptoms Safe To Treat At Home?
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood ailments in America today. In the past, diagnose of an ear infection would require a prescription of antibiotics to treat. However with the concern about antibiotic-resistant infections, parents are less likely to want to treat an infection with antibiotics if it can be avoided. Studies have been conducted to test whether or not antibiotics are absolutely necessary in order to get rid of an ear infection and the results were astounding to medical professionals and the general public as well. About 90% of ear infections went away without any need for prescribed antibiotics. This is an encouraging finding that has helped many people make the decision to treat ear infections at home instead of making the often-unnecessary trip to the doctor.
Internal herbal drops promotes outer, middle and inner ear health and balance
Soothes the ear canal and helps maintain normal levels of ear wax
Promotes healthy, clear ears in babies and children
A Warm Cloth Or Hot Water Bottle
The worst part of any ear infection is the pain resulting in the ear. For years, people have used a warm cloth or hot water bottle (with only lukewarm water) pressed against the outside of the ear to help relieve the pain. While this can be an effective measure to easing the awful ear aches that accompany ear infections, it is important to note that if your ear is draining due to the ear infection, you do not want to block the opening and prevent the liquid from getting out of the ear. Also, never insert anything into your ear in an attempt to increase the warmth. Ear candles are often sold as an effective way to relieve earaches, however they are dangerous and can cause many different complications including ear blockage and burst eardrums. For these reasons, ear candle should be avoided, according to medical recommendations.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca tree in Australia and has been used for centuries by the people there as an anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and soothing agent. A few drops of tea tree oil applied into the ear can provide a soothing effect for the pain and may also help fight the infection without causing a resistant to antibiotics. Tea tree oil smells similar to eucalyptus. Unfortunately tea tree oil may cause skin irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin, and should be used with caution. Some people have found adding the tea tree oil to warmed olive or almond oil before application has reduced or eliminated the skin irritation.
Otikon
Otikon is an extract comprised of many different plants including St. John’s Wort, and garlic. This extract has been tested and found to be an effective treatment for the pain associated with ear infections. It is available in a solution (ear drops), which is applied into the ear over a couple of days for the main purpose of treating pain. However if you know that you are sensitive to any of the herbal agents that make up Otikon, you are likely to experience the same side effects with the use of this product.
When Not To Treat At Home
Ear infections that are treated at home usually go away on their own within 48 hours. If the ear infection is lasting longer than this or if it accompanied by a high fever (more than 100.5 in children under 6 months or 102 in children over 6 months) you should make an appointment to see a doctor. Other reasons to make that trip to the doctor’s office include dramatic balance or hearing problems, severe pain that does not get better with pain relievers, and other serious complications.
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