Ear Ache Home Remedies | Natural Home Remedies For Ear Ache

By | January 8, 2010

Ear Infection Remedies And Ear Ache Treatment

A ear ache is a condition that is medically referred to as otitis media and is a result of an infection in the ear. From a dietary perspective, you should consume a lot of garlic, ginger, and turmeric for ear pain

A ear ache is a condition that is medically referred to as otitis media and is a result of an infection in the ear. The ear is divided into three regions: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Most ear infections occur in the outer and middle sections because these are the parts that are exposed to the outside elements. The middle ear is exposed because of a tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx or the back of the mouth called the Eustachian tube.

Many a time, upper respiratory tract infections can end up causing a ear infection as well. Ear aches that originate from the outer ear indicate that the infection is caused in the ear canal. This can sometimes happen in the case of a condition called swimmer’s ear. This is a condition in which bacterial infection occurs due to trauma to the skin of the ear canal. It can be caused by scratching your ears or it can also be caused by swimming in polluted water that is filled with bacteria.

As with any bacterial infection, the locally affected cells send out signals in the blood stream to the immune system using a class of chemicals called cytokines. This signals T-cells and white blood cells to move in and start fighting the infection. Neutrophil cells, a type of white blood cell, are usually the first to reach the spot of infection, these also release cytokines and more reinforcements are called in to destroy the invading bacteria.

All this action has to occur in a certain medium, which is available when the body goes into a state called inflammation. Inflammation expands the tissues through swelling and increases blood flow. These are mediating factors that allow the white blood cells access to the infection. The characteristic pain that occurs during a ear infection is generally a dull throbbing ache and is a result of this swelling. Ear aches are treated with antibiotics and painkillers just as any major infection is. If this condition is not treated early enough, the bacteria could damage tissue in the ear and even find their way into the inner ear.

From a dietary perspective, you should consume a lot of garlic, ginger, and turmeric during this period as a combined antibiotic and painkiller remedy. It is sometimes useful to wash out the ear with hydrogen peroxide and disinfect it. Hydrogen peroxide will also clear out any dead tissue if you have scratched your ear and sterilize your ear. Keep the affected ear covered and do not expose it to the cold.