Treating Ear Aches - The Facts You Need To Know

Causes of ear ache
What type of ear infection do I have?
What are the signs and symptoms of ear ache and infections?
      -  Middle ear infection symptoms
      -  External ear infection symptoms
      -  Inner ear infection symptoms

Should I call the doctor?
Are ear infections contagious?
How long do ear infections last?
Ear ache and ear infection terminology
Ear ache, infection and allergy
Treatment of ear ache and ear infection

Causes of ear ache

Most ear aches are caused by an ear infection of the middle or external ear. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Ear ache and infection can also be triggered by allergy, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, structural problems in the skull or jaw, or environmental irritants like cigarette smoke. Ear ache without infection can be caused by exposure to strong wind, cold or a blow to the ear.

See the e-book "Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures"  for reasons why some people seem more susceptible, and what you can do about it.

What type of ear infection do I have?

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Middle ear infection is the most common type of ear infection.

Middle ear infection often follows a cold or respiratory infection.

It can occur at any age but it is most common in children under 6 years of age - particularly those aged 3 months to 3 years.

External ear infection or swimmers ear (otitis externa)

External ear infection affects the outer ear and ear canal. Swimmers ear is most common in teenagers who swim a lot. It may result from the repeated wetting and softening of the external ear which makes it an ideal breeding ground for microbes to thrive.

Inner ear infection (otitis media)

An infection of the inner ear affects the convoluted system of cavities and ducts that make up the inner ear. These delicate structures are involved in hearing and balance. Infections of the inner ear are usually viral. Less commonly the cause is bacterial. An inner ear infection may follow a middle ear infection or meningitis.
 

What are the signs and symptoms of ear ache and infections?

Middle ear infection symptoms:

• Usually ear ache in one or both ears.
• Pain usually worsens when lying down which changes pressure in the ear and inhibits drainage.
• Muffled hearing
• Pus - often tinged with blood, may spill into the external ear canal if the eardrum has ruptured due to pressure. This may be detected as a dry crust in and around the ear.

External ear infection symptoms:

• Itching of the ear or ear canal
• Redness or scaling in the ear canal
• Ear ache worsened when pulling the outer ear
• A yellow or pus-like drainage from the ear
• Reduced hearing if the ear canal is swollen

Inner ear infection symptoms:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Vertigo Loss of balance Hearing loss
• Ringing or fullness in ear Headaches

Ear infections and ear ache can also be accompanied by the classic signs of infection like:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting or loose stools
• Swollen glands

Should I call the doctor?

Seek medical care if there is:

• Severe ear ache
• Severe headache
• Extreme weakness
• Stiff neck
• Loss of alertness
• Swelling, redness or pain in the bony part behind the ear
• Profuse discharge from the ear or any discharge in a child less than 7 years old
• Hearing loss lasting more than 2 weeks
• No improvement in ear ache when using the natural methods described in the e-book, within 24 hours in a young child, or 2 -3 days in an older child or adult

Are ear infections contagious?

Inner and middle ear infections are not passed from person to person. They usually follow a previous infection or are triggered by allergy or an environmental irritant.

The microbes from external ear infections can be passed on in susceptible individuals under conditions of poor hygiene.

See the e-book "Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures"  for an explanation of why some people seem more susceptible to chronic ear infections, and how to treat a variety of conditions naturally.

How long do ear infections last?

Although ear ache usually disappears in a couple of days, it can take 10 days or longer to resolve the ear infection. In some cases fluid may remain in the ear, with or without infection for weeks or months after. These times will be minimised with the natural methods outlined in the book.

Ear ache and ear infection terminology

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear

Otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear

Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear

"Acute" is when the condition has a rapid onset, brief duration and severe symptoms.

"Chronic" is when the condition has a long duration with recurring symptoms.

Ear ache, infection and allergy

Food allergies, particularly to wheat and cow's milk, are a common cause of recurrent ear infections. Other common foods may also be implicated.

Airborne allergies or sensitivities can also trigger ear infections in susceptible individuals.

Research shows that secretory otitis media (middle ear infection) is more than twice as frequent in allergic children than in non-allergic children. A study of 100 allergenic children showed that 50% had fluid in their ears.

Treatment of ear ache and ear infection

The natural approach to ear ache and ear infections is to bolster the immune system so that the body can eliminate ear infections for good.

For immediate relief, hot compresses and herbal ear drops are fantastic. Essential oils, massage, homeopathy and chiropractic can also bring fast relief from the pain of ear ache.

Longer term, the use of targeted supplements and herbs plus an immune-boosting diet, are essential to keep the body healthy and avoid infections.

Other common sense approaches that will help are fresh air, regular exercise, allergy management and stress reduction. All these natural approaches are covered comprehensively in "Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures" which you can purchase on this site and download within minutes.

The benefits of this natural approach is that it offers a cure as well as long term prevention of ear aches and infections. Unlike conventional drugs, there are usually no side effects and there is no drug resistance to natural therapies.