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What is the Best Ear Infection Remedy?

Jason C. Chavis
Jason C. Chavis

Ear infections impact all types of people in all walks of life. They can occur at a young age and follow many all the way through adulthood into old age. The best ear infection remedy available comes strictly from a professional care giver or medical personnel. While many people claim that a number of alternative therapies offer relief from the effects of ear infections, it is important to understand that only a licensed physician can make a proper diagnosis in regards to the extent of the infection.

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, occur in the middle ear. This is the location between the ear drum and the inner ear. Most commonly these infections come from some sort of bacteria or fungus that grows in the area, however, a number of other causes such as cancer can also result in similar effects.

Vinegar, which can help with an ear infection.
Vinegar, which can help with an ear infection.

The first priority when attempting an ear infection remedy is to control the pain an individual is experiencing. A number of topical analgesics such as benzocaine ear drops can be used to perform this action. However, the most common relief comes in the form of an oral agent such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or a stronger narcotic.

A basic ear infection remedy is antibiotics. The vast majority of ear infections can be solved by a simple regime of two to three days. Amoxicillin, an anti-bacterial agent, is the first line of attack from physicians. Nearly all ear infections can be solved by using this oral medicine. However, occasionally the bacteria is resistant to this line of treatment. If this occurs, co-amoxiclav, a combination of amoxicillin, antibiotics and potassium, is generally used. Penicillin can also be used, however, most doctors refrain from its usage due to its overall strength.

Olive oil dropped directly into the ear is a traditional home remedy for ear infections.
Olive oil dropped directly into the ear is a traditional home remedy for ear infections.

In the event of chronic cases, an ear infection remedy may require surgery. An otolaryngologist will generally cut open the eardrum and place a tympanostomy tube inside. This tube allows the release of pressure buildup and also clears excessive fluid from inside the ear.

Alternative therapies for ear infection remedies exist, however, none of these treatments have been proven and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic adjustment, herbs and osteopathy. Traditional home ear infection remedies include the use of small amounts of olive oil or vinegar dropped directly into the ear.

Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.

Ear infections can be some of the most painful conditions that attack the human body. This, coupled with the importance of hearing, can be detrimental to the health of an individual. It's highly important for individuals to garner the correct attention from medical professionals who will supply only the best ear infection remedy.

Discussion Comments

tlcJPC

I have been guilty of trying tons of at home ear infection remedies myself. Please don’t start throwing rotten fruit and stuff at me. It's just that after a while copayments and prescriptions really put a big wallop on a single mom’s wallet.

I found one of the best ear infection home remedy to be using ear candles and sweet oil drops.

The truth is that a lot of the remedies I tried actually did help. Now, if I ever suspected an ear infection to be more than just an ear infection I’d go straight to a professional for help.

But there’s no need to flip out over every little thing. Save the stress for the problems you can’t handle on your own!

oscar23

I agree that people who are experiencing ear pain for longer than just a couple of days definitely need to head to their doctor. While it may be (and probably is) just a run of the mill ear infection, which is easily treated, it could be any number of other more serious problems as well.

For instance, I have a friend who is a doctor herself whose toddler daughter was just wailing in her crib. My friend simply thought the child was having a tantrum, checked on her a couple of times and let her cry it out. But then, the child suddenly quit crying, laid down and went to sleep.

My friend knew something was wrong and went immediately to find drainage running out of her baby’s ear. The little girl’s eardrum had actually ruptured.

If a doctor can make that kind of mistake, anybody can mistake common ear infection symptoms to be less than what they actually are.

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    • Vinegar, which can help with an ear infection.
      By: Aaron Amat
      Vinegar, which can help with an ear infection.
    • Olive oil dropped directly into the ear is a traditional home remedy for ear infections.
      By: volff
      Olive oil dropped directly into the ear is a traditional home remedy for ear infections.
    • Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Ear infections sometimes require a visit to a physician.
    • Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat ear infections.
      By: Melpomene
      Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat ear infections.
    • Ear infections happen between the ear drum and the inner ear.
      By: Maximo Sanz
      Ear infections happen between the ear drum and the inner ear.
    • Heat, in the form of a hot water bottle, helps alleviate the discomfort from an ear infection.
      By: by-studio
      Heat, in the form of a hot water bottle, helps alleviate the discomfort from an ear infection.
    • Ear infections can be extremely painful.
      By: Den
      Ear infections can be extremely painful.
    • An inner ear infection, technically known as labyrinthitus, can cause dizziness and disrupt one's sense of balance and equilibrium.
      By: kasto
      An inner ear infection, technically known as labyrinthitus, can cause dizziness and disrupt one's sense of balance and equilibrium.