Ear Infection Remedies

MeMe - Raises Her Hand (-_-) (Mommy Of A Toddler And Teen) - posted on 05/02/2012

My son suffered for 3 months straight of ear infections. He was on antibiotics the entire 3 months. He saw an ENT and ear tubes were recommended. I did not want to have to put my son through that. He was 16 months at the time. The other recommendation, while we waited for the surgery date, was saline nasal spray and Flo-Vent puffer. Well, I will tell you, that was the best recommendation EVER.



Yes, we were told by his pediatrician to use warm olive oil too, it did not help his ears. Nothing helped. Until we started using the saline nasal spray and Flo-Vent puffer. Wow, it has now been 2.5 months and not one ear infection since. We do not need to use the saline and puffer all the time, only when he starts getting a cold. As soon as he starts to show signs of a cold, back on the saline he goes (5-6 times a day, before and after daycare). If a terrible cough comes with it (always does for my son) he also goes right on the puffer (twice a day, morning and night).



I will never ever use anything else now. This method has proven so well, that I no longer need to use any antibiotic and he no longer needs tubes! Yippee... ;)



ETA:

This is the info I got from an ENT. They know what they are talking about. Ears, nose and throat is all they do. ;) Saline nasal spray for children, is cheap. I buy the non-medicated kind made by Tylenol (there is no medicine in it, it is ONLY saline). You can use it as much or as little as needed. It thins the mucus in their nasal tract, which affects their ears. An ear infection is due to the mucus being too thick and not being able to drain. then it creates bacteria growth. Saline nasal spray, thins the mucus thus it can drain as it is suppose to be able to.

Rae - posted on 05/01/2012

Yes but then no matter what you could get the help you need no matter how long you wait.

Rae - posted on 05/01/2012

Going through that right now and let me tell tell ya it ain't fun. What helps is a rice sock. Get a really long sock and fill it halfway up with rice tie a knot in it, stick this in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Wrap this around the ear and a towel under his/her head. Good feelings will be had by all. And get ear plugs for shower.NO BATHS!

Laura Zoey - posted on 09/28/2011

Jen, it's really sad when they make you wait so long, my mother in law found a breast lump and had to wait a week for a mammogram, then the results were inconclusive so she has to get a biopsy and she has to wait 2 weeks now! I mean that's a lot of time when you're worrying minute by minute you could have cancer.

Jen - posted on 09/28/2011

You can still wait months to see a doctor with our current system. For example, the average wait time to see a dermatologist for a suspected skin cancer is 2 months. I know, I work in the insurance industry.

Cyndel - posted on 09/27/2011

Sweet oil...it is sold in most stores in the pharmecy department. It works wonders...just 2 or 3 drops in the infected ear lay with the ear up for at least 15 minutes...I use a hot wet wash cloth over my ear it helps the oil move down and feels wonderful. Just repeat whenever you feel you need to,

Not a cure, just a mild pain reliever. My neighber's pedi told her to do this for her son's infections which seemed to only come on Friday nights, to ease his discomfort until Monday.

Laura Zoey - posted on 09/25/2011

Breastmilk worked on erics ear infection!
Glad it's feeling better!

Lacye - posted on 09/25/2011

Well here's the update:

I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to try anything at all and surprise, it's better. I guess it just had to run it's course. I guess it was just worrying me since it had been going on for a couple weeks. Thanks for all the suggestions. :D

Kim - posted on 09/25/2011

Warm olive oil has always worked for us just put 1 or 2 drops in the ear and put a cotton ball in the ear

Karen - posted on 09/25/2011

We pay a lot of taxes for socialized healthcare and still get funding cuts! Though I must admit I do appreciate it!

We were told by our doc, because the infection was not bacterial, to use warm olive oil (heat it in the dropper under warm running water) and peroxide.

Rosie - posted on 09/25/2011

actually he isn't trying to implement "socialized" healthcare....wish he was. we have the crappiest healthcare system in the industrialized world. every other country has universal healthcare and fares waaaay better than we do. aahh, the misinformation is astounding.

Tammy - posted on 09/25/2011

Lacye - I just thought of something! You can see a doctor for free by going to the emergency room! Legally, they can't turn you away and though they can give you a bill, they can't technically charge you for it!

Tammy - posted on 09/25/2011

Rebecca - Our president is trying to install "socialized medicine", but we are fighting it! Quality of care goes down and the wait to see a doctor is so long!

Rebecca - posted on 09/25/2011

It's been said before, but olive oil is the winner - I have even had a doctor recommend it to me.



I feel so sorry for you guys - I assume you are in the US - ear health is covered by the Australian govt to 21 years, and the doctor is free for antibiotics, possibly $10 - $20 if they don't bulk bill



If it ever comes up there - get socialised medicine - the schools are socialised, it can only help your kids!

Tammy - posted on 09/24/2011

There really isn't anything over the counter that can help cure an infection, you just have to let it run it's course. You want to keep the inside of your ear (the canal) as dry as possible, which will help "dry out" the infection.

You can however help relieve your symptoms by taking an anti inflammatory pain killer (such as Alieve, or Motrin) and place a moist, hot compress around your ear and neck. Also, ear drops containing alcohol or acetic acid to help keep your ear dry.

Good luck, I hope you feel better soon...

Julianne - posted on 09/24/2011

Did you try anything? Hows your ear?

Cathy - posted on 09/24/2011

What are your symptoms exactly?

Tinnitus would explain the ringing and dizziness. It can be caused by an infection, but unless you have extreme vertigo, vomiting, fever it probably isn't an inner ear infection.

Reduce any stimulants like coffee. Avoid smoking (especially in your ear).

Do the heat compression as others have said to try and relieve any build up or pus.

I've used a few drops of olive oil (same theory as garlic oil) in my ear before. It's only really suitable for clearing wax build up, it won't treat any underlying infection.

Liz - posted on 09/24/2011

Cigarette smoke? That's insane.

Being around cigarette smoke increases your chances of ear infections, so no!

Jen - posted on 09/24/2011

OMG - don't you dare put any of that in your ear!

Sorry, the mom in me just jumped out.

My suggestion is simple and non-invasive. It will sound sily but it will work. Make a hard boiled egg. As soon as it's done. Don't peel it. Wrap it in a thick towel and rest it against your ear. When it's cool, eat the egg. The reason I recommend an egg is becuase it's not on there too long. The heat may draw out the infection, it's noninvasive. You don't have to worry about adding to the infection by any of the substances you mention and you get a healthy snack afterwards.

Elfrieda - posted on 09/23/2011

For earaches my parents always stick a needle in the end of a garlic oil pill (they are big gel-covered pills that they eat because they think it's healthy) and drip the oil into the ear, then stuff it up with a cotton ball and leave it overnight.

Nikki - posted on 09/23/2011

I don't have any remedies but I hope you feel better soon Lacye. The US healthcare system is so shit, it's ridiculous it is so difficult to get health care. :(

Kacie - posted on 09/23/2011

Similasan makes an ear ache relief medicine. they're drops. works well!

also dont forget about the warm/hot compress. laying on a heating pad, or warming up a wrag and laying on it

Brittany - posted on 09/23/2011

One more thing, your pharmacist will always give you free advice. So you can go to him or her, tell them you have an ear infection and they can help point you in a direction of an ear drop.

Brittany - posted on 09/23/2011

Lacye,

I have not read all of the posts but, whatever you do never ever ever blow cigarette smoke into your ears if you have an infection. This is insane and in all medical truth, it causes ear infections especially in small children. Not to mention, you think what you are inhaling is gross, imagine what you are exhaling.

Peroxide will only work if you ear is leaking. If your ear is leaking puss (of any kind) it will help boil out the infection.

I have never used or researched white vinegar as a solution for an ear ache but, I would think it has the same or similar effect as peroxide.

I would not recommend urine.

I will say, and I have used this on myself and my children, if you take a clean sock (I use mismatched socks), put some flour in it, set your oven on about 300, put the flour sock in the oven long enough for it to get nice and piping hot, take it out and lay on it. The heat helps reduce the pressure and pull out the puss. I promise you will feel 100% better. You may have to reheat the sock a couple of times but, it does work. If you do notice puss coming out then I would use some peroxide to boil it out.

I hope you feel better soon :)

~♥Little Miss - posted on 09/23/2011

Lacye, this is directly from the link Julianne gave you

"Combinations to consider: Consider Laprinol™ orally for use during ear infections, as well as the EchinaSera® for kids. **Please note that inner ear infections can become quite acute and possibly dangerous so if one has an inner ear infection, please consult with a Professional health care practitioner as soon as possible."


Sooooo....pretty much don't do it if it is an inner ear infection.

Lacye - posted on 09/23/2011

I've been doing some research and I think it is an inner ear infection. It sounds like some of my symptoms with the dizziness and my ears ringing.

I love garlic so I might try eating some of that. plus I might try the garlic and olive oil blend. Sounds interesting. :D

Julianne - posted on 09/23/2011

The ear oil i posted is a blend of olive oil and garlic, plus other herbs that would be beneficial. It covers middle and outer ear infections. The ingested garlic works on inner middle or outer ear infections, the same as an antibiotic would. It works where its needed.

September - posted on 09/23/2011

Well when you don't have medical insurance I bet you'd darn near try just about anything!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 09/23/2011

Like September, and Dyan have said...and Julianne mentioned garlic to, I have heard fabulous things about garlic infused olive oil for the ear. Only problem is, you don't know what kind of infection it is.

Rosie - posted on 09/23/2011

garlic is a natural antibiotic, put some with olive oil, and use it in a dropper in your ear.

Sal - posted on 09/23/2011

Pansadol lots of fluid there are also some ear drop here that help with pain and drying up the gunk but cant remember the name they were around ten dollars here. But seriously that's all I would do atleast it Wont do any more dAmage and will help with pain . Ask the chemist is always good

Frances - posted on 09/23/2011

If you can find someone who sells Nature's Sunshine, they carry something called CBG. It is a liquid. Put a few drops in the ear and lie with that ear up for ten minutes. It makes the ear infection go away. It is best to treat both ears.

September - posted on 09/23/2011

I've heard infused garlic olive oil works. I have a friend who uses this with her daughter and it works really well. Her daughter has never had to use antibiotics and her infection goes away just using the infused olive oil with garlic. I hope you find a fix and your pain goes away soon!

Julianne - posted on 09/23/2011

Olive oil in your ear and eat a couple cloves of garlic a day.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. When i take garlic i eat it with a teaspoon of raw honey because i can swallow it better that way. Cut it into pill size and swallow the chunks whole so you don't get the strong flavor.

Lacye - posted on 09/23/2011

We don't have free clinics here and the doctors don't do payment plans. Like I said, going to the doctor is not an option. That's why I was asking if anybody knew any home remedies.

Julianne - posted on 09/23/2011

http://www.stfrancisherbfarm.com/product...
Ear oil.

Sherri - posted on 09/23/2011

You really shouldn't mess with it the only advice I am going to give is get to a doctor and do a payment plan.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 09/23/2011

I don't mess with ear infections. I got a double ear infection in the beginning of the year, and my ear drum ruptured. OMG the pain was terrible. I was put on a high dose of antibiotics, and it eventually cleared up...but oh the pain. It leaked blood an pus after it ruptured. I had so much pressure build up it was ridiculous. The sounds that my ear was making the whole 24 hours before it ruptured was indeed mind altering, and the pain was excruciating. I probably could have avoided this by going to the doctor when it started. Not every ear infection ends up like I had, and I know money is tight especially without insurance, but maybe try to find a free clinic in your area?

Jane - posted on 09/22/2011

This article is more about children's ear infections but it probably won't hurt to try some of the things the author suggests: http://www.thenaturalguide.com/earinfect... And he does NOT suggest urine in any form.

If it is an outer ear infection you can often treat it with OTC stuff like pain-killers and alcohol. But a middle or inner ear infection will be harder to get to. Either can lead to rupture of the ear drum (exquisitely painful) which can damage your hearing. An inner ear infection can lead to vertigo and tinnitus.

Antibiotics will only help if the infection is bacterial. If it is the result of having a cold, then it will be a viral infection and antibiotics won't help. And if it is a fungal infection, such as Swimmer's Ear, an antibiotic can make it worse because the natural bacteria in the body help control fungus.

If it gets worse then you do need to go to a "doc in a box." an urgent care center.

Minnie - posted on 09/22/2011

Here the local hospital system has a service that you can sign up for- it covers most urgent care bills retroactively. Perhaps call and see if they have something similar?

On the topic, boob juice has always been touted as a remedy for ear infections. Only anectodal however, last time I had an ear infection I was four years old- and like Kate said, there are different levels of infection.

Kate CP - posted on 09/22/2011

Well, first you need to find out if you have otitis media (middle ear), otitis externa (outer ear), or otitis interna (inner ear). Then you need to find out if you have a viral or bacterial infection. THEN you need to figure out if you need antibiotics or if it will go away on it's own. Sometimes it goes away on it's own. Sometimes it doesn't.

My advice? Doc in the box or a clinic.