HOME REMEDIES FOR MANAGING EAR INFECTION

OVERVIEW

Ear infection is called otitis media in medical terminology. In this, infection of the middle ear takes place which is the air-filled space behind the ear drum. Middle ear contains three tiny bones which are called ear ossicles. Ear infections are more common in children as compared to adults. Most of the ear infections go away on their own. But some cases require medical attention. There are several treatment options available for ear infections. But if not treated at time properly, it can lead to hearing problems and other serious complications.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF EAR INFECTIONS?

Ear infections are caused by bacteria or virus in middle ear. It often occurs from other infections like common cold, flu, any respiratory infection, etc. Eustachian tube is a tube which connects ear and throat. So the bacteria or virus gets transmitted from the throat to the middle ear. This leads to inflammation and swelling of the Eustachian tube and middle ear. The swelling causes blockage of the tube and thus collection of the fluid in the middle ear.

RISK FACTORS OF EAR INFECTIONS

The factors which increase the risk of person developing ear infections are:

• Children between the age group of 6 months to 2 years
• During autumn and winter seasons
• Having a family history of ear infections
• Suffering from respiratory tract infections like asthma
• Increased air pollution
• Tobacco smoke
• Decreased immunity of body
• Cleft palate

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EAR INFECTIONS?

The common signs and symptoms are:

• Pain in ear
• Irritability
• Increased body temperature
• Difficulty in sleep
• Trouble in hearing
• Loss of hunger
• Yellowish-green discharge from ear
• Crying more than normal
• Pain in head

COMPLICATIONS OF EAR INFECTIONS

In most of the ear infections, there occur no complications. However, in rare cases, the following complications arise:

• Hearing loss
• Delayed speech
• Infections spread to other body parts like behind the ear, brain, etc
• Rupture of ear drum

HOME REMEDIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF EAR INFECTIONS

Here are the following home remedies which are very beneficial for management of ear infections:

TULSI

• Tulsi is also known as queen of herbs. It helps in increasing body’s immunity power. It has cough relieving properties. It increases production of antibodies in body, thus helps in fighting infections. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in water or drink tulsi tea.

MULETHI

• Mulethi is known as sweet wood or licorice. It is a very effective herb for cough. It is very helpful in management of sore throat, excessive mucus production and chronic cough. It has good expectorant properties. Take 1 spoon of mulethi powder in a glass of warm water and consume it daily. Drink mulethi tea 2 to 3 times a day for good results.

HONEY

• Honey is fully loaded with antimicrobial properties. It also increases body’s metabolism It is a very good cough suppressant. It helps in easing sore throat. Its regular consumption in winters keeps cold, cough at bay. Take a spoon of it in a day or drink in the form of ginger tea.

SONTH

• Sonth is the dry ginger. It is widely used in cough syrups. Sonth has good anti-inflammatory properties. It is a very good home remedy for common cold and cough. Take sonth with a teaspoon of honey for good results.

PIPPALI