Otitis media, a common infection associated with nasopharyngitis, predominantly affects infants and young children, often making it challenging to identify their symptoms.
This blog post explores natural remedies for otitis media, including effective techniques to alleviate pain, prevent recurrence, and expedite healing.
Discover how you can manage this condition naturally to support better ear health.
Discover effective natural remedies to alleviate ear infections and promote faster healing. From hydrogen peroxide to garlic oil, colloidal silver, and more, these proven methods will provide relief and prevent recurrence.
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is a common infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults.
In children, the Eustachian tube’s shape and position make them more susceptible to this condition.
The Eustachian tube connects the nose to the ear and has a more horizontal alignment in children, facilitating the passage of infected fluid from the nose to the ear.
Otitis media commonly targets children between 3 months and 3 years old and can be caused by both viral and bacterial agents.
Causes of otitis
Bacterial otitis media is often caused by three different types of germs: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae.
These bacteria contribute to approximately 60-75% of bacterial otitis cases.
Understanding the underlying causes of otitis media is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Symptoms of otitis media
Identifying otitis media can be challenging, especially in infants and young children who cannot articulate their pain.
Symptoms typically include ear pain, which is often expressed through tugging or pulling on the earlobe.
Common signs of infection such as fever, irritability, and occasional nausea and vomiting may also be present.
Additionally, hearing loss can occur in some cases.
Diagnosis of otitis
Diagnosing otitis media involves a thorough examination using an otoscope.
The presence of red and swollen erythema in the eardrum is a common indication of otitis.
While there are no specific tests to diagnose acute otitis, a physical examination and evaluation of symptoms are sufficient to confirm the condition.
Treatment options for otitis media
Antibiotic treatment, often with amoxicillin, is typically prescribed to combat bacterial otitis media.
However, when the infection becomes chronic and recurrent, alternative treatment approaches may be necessary.
In such cases, the child may receive nightly antibiotics to prevent further development of the condition.
If this method fails, tympanostomy, a surgical procedure involving the placement of a small tube in the eardrum, may be considered.
Chronic otitis media
Chronic otitis media more commonly affects adults and results in otorrhea, a discharge from the ear.
This symptom can be very serious, possibly leading to the perforation of the eardrum.
Chronic otitis media can also lead to cholesteatoma or the development of skin inside the cavities of the middle ear.
On examination, white debris and a protruding mass on the eardrum are detected.
This painting is sure to cause serial ear infections in adults.
Its diagnosis is a bit more complicated and requires a culture of the drainage if a cholesteatoma is suspected.
Other tests may be needed to find the cause of these ear infections such as an abscess.
The treatment here is also antibiotic, but surgery is required to remove the protruding mass.
Natural remedies for otitis media
Above all, it is important to specify that a medical consultation is essential if the child has a fever above 39°C or if a discharge of the ear occurs.
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Hydrogen Peroxide
A solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide (#ad) can really help to solve an otitis problem, including in children.
Its use is very easy, just drop a few pure drops in the ear, and hold them for 10 to 15 minutes before letting them flow naturally.
Do this twice a day until symptoms disappear.
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Garlic oil for otitis
The most effective oil for otitis contains both mullein and garlic.
Garlic is an excellent antibacterial that will quickly attack the bacteria involved.
You can use this preparation by mixing garlic oil (#ad) and a few drops of mullein extract (#ad) to drop in the ear twice a day.
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Colloidal Silver
Whatever you think, colloidal silver has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
This is a natural antibiotic containing silver particles suspended in distilled water.
Colloidal silver actually suffocates bacteria within minutes.
The procedure is simple: instill 1 to 2ml of colloidal silver 10ppm (#ad) in the ear, leave on for 10-15 minutes then let it flow out naturally, 3-4 times a day.
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Propolis
A solution consisting of propolis extract (#ad), a resinous substance that bees collect from the buds and bark of certain trees, and zinc can significantly reduce recurrences of chronic otitis.
Propolis contains vitamins B, C, and E as well as iron, zinc, and calcium while possessing purifying and healing properties.
Just dilute about ten drops in a glass of water every day to enjoy its benefits.
You can even soak a cotton ball with a few drops of Propolis extract and introduce it into the ear.
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Vitamin D
It has been proven that vitamin D deficiency leads to recurrent respiratory infections.
Indeed, as this vitamin supports the immune system, it actively fights against viral and bacterial infections.
It has been proven that children with insufficient vitamin D levels are more susceptible to respiratory tract infections and we know that otitis media is directly linked to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
The recommended dosage for children is 400 to 1000IU of vitamin D per day.
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Gold Silver Copper (Oligotherapy)
Oligotherapy can be very interesting in the fight against otitis media and in particular the combination of colloidal copper, gold, and silver.
– colloidal copper (#ad) has anti-infective, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
– silver colloids (#ad) are a natural antibacterial
– ionic gold (#ad) has anti-inflammatory properties
These three trace elements stimulate the immune system to prevent infections and treat otitis in depth.
The recommended dosage in copper-gold-silver water is 2-4ml in two doses daily.
How to alleviate ear infections
In conclusion, knowing how to alleviate ear infections is crucial for maintaining optimal ear health.
By implementing natural remedies and proper care techniques, individuals can effectively address the discomfort and pain associated with otitis media.
Hydrogen peroxide, garlic oil, colloidal silver, propolis, vitamin D, and oligotherapy offer effective solutions for relieving symptoms, promoting faster healing, and preventing recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does otitis media last?
Acute otitis media usually lasts 8-10 days.
Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to carry out an auditory follow-up to ensure the condition of the eardrum and avoid any complications.
This is a mild infection when properly treated.
How to relieve an ear infection in the middle of the night?
Lying down makes otitis pain worse.
To achieve rest at night, try to sleep in a semi-recumbent position, and place a pillow high up so that your bust is elevated.
To speed healing, it is recommended not to make too many head movements.
Is it normal to feel tired during an ear infection?
Otitis occurs as a result of infection of the upper airways.
The fatigue you feel is caused by this viral or bacterial attack.
It shows that your immune system is in high demand to fight off intruders.
What can be the complications of otitis media?
Sometimes acute otitis media does not progress favorably and becomes more complicated, sometimes even despite treatment.
In this case, the complications that may arise are related to the spread of infection to neighboring areas.
It can therefore turn into mastoiditis, cause sinus thrombophlebitis, cause facial paralysis, meningitis, and brain abscess.
