Ear Infection and Ache

Ear infections are a very common complaint and can affect adults as well as children. Otitis media (infection of the middle ear) affects the area behind the ear drum. A build-up of fluid and pus behind the ear drum leads to raised pressure in the ear, pain and loss of hearing. An ear ache is most commonly caused by trapped moisture in the inner ear and by minor injury to the ear canal. Swimming, bathing, allergies, or even cleaning your ear with a cotton-tipped swab can lead to discomfort, bacterial growth, and infection in the ear.

In many cases, ear infections recur after conventional treatment and may become chronic and difficult to get rid of. Recurring ear infections may also lead to permanent hearing loss if not treated properly. More than three out of four children have had at least one ear infection by the time they reach 3 years of age.

Causes of Ear Infection and Ache

The seriousness of ear infections cause severe ear ache. If the infection is not treated, this may develop to hearing loss. Ear infections can also be serious if they spread to the other systems inside the head. The air inside a healthy middle ear has the same atmospheric pressure with the outside of the ear. This equalization allows free vibration. Yawning may produce equalization when there is an imbalance in pressure if the eustachian tube sends a tiny air bubble to precisely equalize air pressure. The eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the ear. It is important for ear pressure to be equalized to the outside of the ear. An unequal pressure may cause slight ear aches.

A middle ear infection can be very serious because of the severe ear ache and hearing loss that it can cause. Otitis media is also serious because the infection can spread to nearby areas of the ear, especially the mastoid, and may cause damage if not treated.

Home Remedies for Ear Infection and Ache

*Natural remedies can effectively reduce the pain, inflammation, throbbing and discomfort of ear infections and treat the underlying causes without the side-effects and lowered immune functioning so common with antibiotic use.
*If your earache has rises in altitude then just chew gum or yawn. This will contract the muscles and open the Eustachian tubes.
*Make a mixture by adding 1 tablespoon of almond carrier oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of chamomile oil and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Warm this mixture and add 2 drops thrice a day to the infected ear.
*Put a cup of salt in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and dump it on some small cotton bag or socks. Keep this close to the ear; it will reduce the pain and swelling caused due to infection.

Article Source: http://www.healthyfad.com

Alien writes for Home remedies. Check out home remedies for earache and you might be interested in home remedies for acne.