Ear Infection
Ear infections are one of the most common problems pediatricians see. Almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection during their first year, and by age three, over two-thirds of all children will have had at least one. Children between the six months and three years of age are susceptible to many ear infections. One reason that infants are very susceptible to infections of the inner ears is that the eustachian opening in very young children and infants is angled at a more horizontal plane rather than in the mature vertical plane, which makes drainage of the inner ear difficult and allows for bacteria to build up in the fluid. Symptoms of Ear Infections Include: A sensation of pressure and fullness in the ear. Fever Pain Pulling or tugging at the ear. Unexplained crying or fussing. The ears are sensitive organs - ones which would be inconvenient to live without. The ears are in charge of collecting the sounds around us, processing them and sending sound signals to the brain for interpretation. Our ears also help us to keep our balance. The ear is made up of three distinct sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is called the pinna or auricle and is the part of the ear that extrudes from the head. The main job of the outer ear is to collect sounds, and structurally includes the ear canal, where wax is produced. Although we tend to think of earwax as ‘gunk’ it is in fact a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal. Earwax contains important chemicals that support the skin inside the ear canal and collects dirt to help keep the ear canal clean. Useful Herbs & Supplements for Ear Infections Herbs with antibacterial properties are generally used for treating ear infections. Echinacea and Glodenseal are the most common herbs used for this condition. They both contain antibacterial properties and help bolster the immune system. Goldenseal also soothes the irritated mucous membranes brought about by infection. Another traditional home remedy for an earache is Garlic and Mullein Oil.The warm oil can be used as a direct topical ointment, or dripped into the infected ear. Catnip can help with a fever and promote sleep, which can go a long way in relieving the discomfort. Homeopathy for Ear Infections Belladonna is one of the most effective remedies for this condition - especially if there is heat from a fever, or red cheeks. Other indications include tearing or throbbing pain, ringing in the ears, extreme sensitivity to touch, and nightmares. Chamomilla is indicated for young children with sudden accute symptoms that cause stitching pains. One side of the face is red, and it may be accompanied by teething pain. What Else You Can Do Offer liquids. Apply a warm heating pad to the affected ear. Consult your health care professional if the pain persists longer than 24 hours.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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